The late Segun ‘Success’ Olanrewaju, a Nigerian boxer who made a mark in the sports world, is remembered by his wife, Adebusola Olanrewaju, as a humble and hardworking man who dedicated his life to his family and career. The couple spent nearly five years together, two of which were spent in marriage, with two young children to their name—one aged two and the other just nine months old. In an emotional recount, Adebusola shares the struggles that her husband faced in his career, and the disappointment she felt seeing how the world only started paying attention to him after his death.
Adebusola recalls how Segun, who had a reputation for being good-natured and straightforward, tirelessly sought support for his boxing career. “When he was alive, he moved from one place to another, trying to get people to help him, but no one did,” she laments. “Now that he’s gone, people are posting messages online about him. But where were they when he was alive?” She expresses the pain of seeing the public’s attention only after his passing, especially after he won his first belt, a milestone in his career that passed without the recognition he deserved.
Despite these challenges, Segun remained devoted to his family, particularly his children. “He was the most caring father,” Adebusola explains. “He always took care of them, bathed them, and posted videos of his moments with them, despite the insults some people threw at him.” The memories of his care for their children are bittersweet as Adebusola now faces the difficult task of raising their kids without their father. “Our first child is about to start school, and I don’t know where to begin,” she says, overwhelmed by the loss.
Segun’s journey took him to Ghana, where he sought to advance his boxing career. However, his ambition was met with obstacles when his handlers reportedly told him that he would have to lose to his opponent in order to continue. “He told us he wouldn’t do that; he couldn’t sacrifice his integrity,” Adebusola remembers. “He went to Ghana to boost his career, not to throw a fight.” Despite the setbacks, Segun remained determined, though tragedy struck before he could return home.
The heartbreaking news of Segun’s passing came as a shock to Adebusola. “I called him on Saturday after 11 pm, and when I woke up at midnight, I expected to hear from him. But I didn’t,” she recounts. “The following morning, I reached out to him and was informed that he was dead. I still don’t know how to process this. I never imagined he would leave so soon.” Segun had planned to start a commercial transportation business upon his return from Ghana, with dreams of securing a number plate for a bus. His untimely death has left his family grappling with the loss of not only a loved one but also the future he had hoped to build.
Segun’s mother, Mrs. Olanrewaju, also shares her devastation over the loss of her son. “Since his father passed in 1993, I have been taking care of him and his siblings,” she recalls. “He was a gentle child and very hardworking, trying different vocations before boxing became his passion.” She also describes the close bond she had with her son, helping his wife during labor and keeping his bus and training equipment at her house. “Now, they took him from me. He worked hard, but they didn’t let him reap the rewards,” she says, sorrowfully.
Segun’s sister, Rachel Olanrewaju, expresses disbelief at his passing. “He was a strong and hardworking boy. He was always friendly, and people loved to be around him. I never imagined that he would leave us so soon. We thought he still had many years ahead of him,” Rachel says. “He was the only boy in our family since our father died. He was our pillar, and his loss is a big shock.” Rachel recalls the moment she learned of her brother’s death. “I was on my way to church when I heard the news. I had no idea what had happened, and when I arrived home, everyone was crying. It felt like a scene from a film. This is a great loss to us, and I never expected it to happen this soon.”
Segun’s untimely death has left a profound impact on his family, with his dreams and aspirations unfulfilled. His story is a reminder of the struggles many talented individuals face when they lack the support needed to thrive, and the deep wounds left when a loved one is lost too soon.
