Family Feud Erupts Over Late Nigerian Boxer’s Estate, Widow Alleges Exploitation

A heated dispute has broken out between the widow of late Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun “Success” Olanrewaju and his family over donations and assets following his tragic death in Ghana last year, with accusations from relatives suggesting the widow may be responsible for his demise, The PUNCH reports.

Adebusola, the boxer’s widow, alleged that funds remitted by the Ghana Boxing Authority were completely withheld by her late partner’s family, leaving her and their two children without support.

“All the money the NBBofC helped me recover from the GBA, Segun’s family took everything,” Adebusola told The PUNCH.

“We didn’t get anything that would help us with our basic needs, and my parents have been the ones helping me. I can’t work a serious job since my children are still very young.”

According to Adebusola, when Ghana paid $3,000 following the incident, $1,000 (approximately N1.5 million) was taken by the family, while the children received $2,000 (approximately N3 million), but with strict conditions attached.

“Initially, when the accident happened, they paid $3,000 from Ghana, so $1,000 was given to the family, but the $2,000 was given to me with the condition that there will be no access to it until my children turn 18 years, which is in 16 years,” she explained.

“I don’t understand where and how they want me to feed the children and raise them till they turn 18.”

Adebusola further claimed that the family sold her late partner’s commercial bus without sharing any proceeds with her.

Family Denies Allegations

However, Olanrewaju’s family has strongly refuted these claims. In videos posted on the boxer’s sister’s TikTok account (@queenimoleaj), family members presented a contrasting narrative.

The boxer’s mother, Mrs Agnes Olanrewaju, speaking in Yoruba, accused Adebusola of cursing her son before his fatal trip to Ghana.

“She cursed her husband after he went to Ghana. She said, ‘Segun, the way he went to Ghana and didn’t tell me, he won’t come back.’ And truly, my child did not come back,” Mrs Olanrewaju said.

“Help me beg her not to destroy the life of my family. And they should not let her kill my children.”

On the financial allegations, the mother insisted she rejected the money from Ghana, stating: “I didn’t take the $3,000 they brought. It would be sad for me to take money from my child’s death. How much is the money? It can’t become my child.”

The boxer’s sister, Anuoluwapo Olanrewaju, challenged Adebusola’s status as a wife, claiming no traditional or legal marriage took place.

“My aunty wanted to make passports for Adebusola and my brother so they can travel out of the country. Adebusola said she cannot use ‘Olanrewaju’, but her father’s surname,” Anuoluwapo revealed.

“Secondly, we wanted to pay her bride price. Her father said we shouldn’t pay, that she’s still in university, and the family was wondering how paying her bride price would hinder her studies.”

“You know that we didn’t pay your bride price, how do you want us to recognise you as a wife? We have learned people in Nigeria here. You are not married legally, so you are not a wife, you are a baby mama.”

Regarding the bus, Anuoluwapo questioned Adebusola’s entitlement to it, stating that as someone not legally married, she has no say over family assets.

Widow Responds

Adebusola confirmed they were not legally married, explaining: “We are not legally married yet, just living together as one family because my parents said when I finish my education, we can get married.”

She alleged the family’s mistreatment extended beyond financial disputes.

“I had to block Anuoluwapo on TikTok because she was threatening me and insulting my dad and mum. What they did to me is very painful. They even called my children bastards. They said I’m the one who killed my husband, that they don’t want the Ghanaians to know that I’m responsible for his death. That is why they did not say it out at first. They made me suffer and cry every day,” she told The PUNCH.

“They said I had left his house before he died, which is a lie. I only went to my dad’s place to read for my JAMB exam, and before I left, I took permission from my husband, which he agreed to.”

Background

Olanrewaju, popularly known as “Success,” collapsed in the ring during a fight with Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu on March 29, 2025, at the Trust Sports Emporium Boxing Arena in Bukoum, Accra. He was later pronounced dead at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.

His remains were repatriated to Nigeria after 81 days, with burial taking place on June 18, 2025, at Atan Cemetery in Ogun State.

The dispute has left Olanrewaju’s two children, three-year-old Irenitemi Success and two-year-old Oluwatobiloba, caught in the middle. With Adebusola unable to access the majority of funds donated for their upkeep until Irenitemi turns 18, the children’s immediate welfare remains uncertain as the family feud intensifies.