The wife of the late Nigerian boxer Gabriel Olanrewaju has spoken out about the ongoing dispute surrounding the $3,000 donation made by Ghana’s boxing authorities. Maria Adebusola Olanrewaju revealed in an interview with an Accra-based radio station that she has yet to receive the financial support promised to her following her husband’s tragic death.
The donation was made by officials from the Ghana Boxing Authority when they returned Olanrewaju’s body to Nigeria on June 17, 2025, almost three months after his untimely passing. The boxer collapsed during a match at the Bukom Boxing Arena and was pronounced dead at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. A post-mortem examination determined that he died from heart failure.
Mrs. Olanrewaju shared that her husband’s family has been embroiled in a dispute over the donated funds, preventing her from accessing the money. She expressed frustration at the family’s actions, stating that they also blocked her from performing traditional burial rites for her late husband.
The widow and other family members were visibly emotional when Olanrewaju’s body finally arrived back in Nigeria, underscoring the devastation caused by his sudden death. The delay in receiving the financial support promised by the Ghana Boxing Authority has only added to Mrs. Olanrewaju’s distress, as she continues to wait for the assistance intended to help her and her children through this difficult time.
The situation has prompted discussions about boxer safety and the support systems in place for families affected by tragedies in the ring. Many boxing fans have expressed sympathy for Mrs. Olanrewaju, advocating for her to receive the donation directly as the surviving spouse of the deceased boxer.
As the dispute over the donated funds continues, it is clear that more attention needs to be paid to the welfare of boxers and their families, both in terms of safety measures during matches and the support provided in the aftermath of tragic events. The case of Gabriel Olanrewaju serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of ensuring that those left behind are properly cared for in the wake of a boxing-related tragedy.
