Follow Us on Google
By Emma Jemegah
Edna Bola Aiyegbeni, daughter to the famous Chief Francis Aiyegbeni, is a Nigerian boxing promoter and the Spokesperson for the Boxing Promoters Association of Nigeria BPAN).
The lady, who is also the CEO of E. Francis Aiyegbeni Boxing Promotions, has been called the “Iron Lady of Boxing” for her commitment to the sport, and was recently recognised with an award of excellence.
In this interview with Sunday Sun, she speaks on her life, her late dad and boxing.
Could you provide a glimpse into your personal history?
My name is Edna Bolade Ibanahor Aiyegbeni. I am originally from Irrua, Edo State, but I was born and raised in Ibadan, Oyo State. I relocated to the United Kingdom in 1992, but I have never been far away from Nigeria since that time to date.
Is there any relationship between your family and that of the popular ex-international footballer, Yakubu Aiyegbeni?
I am not directly related to Yakubu Aiyegbeni, but Aiyegbeni as a name is not that common, so maybe down the family tree there might be some connection; however, I personally do not know of any connection. But I am related to the late Chief Francis Oriazoma Aiyegbeni. I am his second child.
Can you recall some of the efforts or activities of your dad in boxing?
Chief Francis Aiyegbeni, as a boxing promoter, did so much for Nigerian boxing, from raising fresh boxers from the grassroots to become world-beaters to sponsoring boxers’ training tours abroad. His lifelong dedication involves being a “firefighter,” solving unexpected problems and navigating complex relationships that created successful and memorable boxing spectacles. His passion for the sport not only elevated the profile of boxing in Nigeria but also inspired countless young athletes to pursue their dreams in the ring. Through his unwavering commitment, he fostered a sense of community and pride that extended beyond the sport itself, leaving a lasting legacy in the hearts of many.
What motivated you to come into boxing and take after your dad?
Before 2016, when my dad passed away, I knew very little about boxing, and even now I can’t claim to know everything I should. However, over the years, I’ve managed to surround myself with exceptional individuals who are passionate about boxing, which has significantly enhanced my understanding of the game. My dad had a boxing gym in his hotel then. When he died, I expected all of the boxers to go their different ways, but to my utmost surprise, nothing in the gym changed. The boxers came to training on time; the coaches were there still training. Everything else fell apart, but the boxers held on to the name and still continued as a group. Anyway, because of the commitment of the boxers towards keeping my father’s name alive, I made a promise to them and myself that I will do my best to make sure I help them in their boxing careers, and since then I have worked tirelessly to support all his boxers, and to the glory of God, many have excelled brilliantly. Their dedication inspired me to create a foundation that provides training, mentorship, and resources for aspiring athletes. Together, we strive to uphold the values my father instilled in the sport, ensuring that his legacy continues to impact future generations.
What and what can you recall about your dad apart from his boxing activities?
My father was a very powerful man. He was many things in one. My father, though, worked in the security industry with the Federal Government; like most people, he came from nothing, so in the journey of life, he tried so many things, including boxing, which he was very passionate about, and music. He loved music, especially highlife music. He worked with Eddy Okonta and Cardinal Jim Rex Lawson. Please permit me to pay tribute to the late Rex Lawson, because maybe I would not be here today if not for a good deed 56 years ago when my dad was working under him.
According to my dad, when my mom gave birth to me at Catholic Hospital, Oluyoro, there was no money to discharge us from the hospital, so we were stranded, and can you imagine a mother with a new-born stranded at the hospital? My dad said he walked from Oluyoro Oke-Ofa to Oke-Bola to meet his boss, Rex Lawson, who gave him money to pay in the hospital so we could be discharged, and the remaining money was used for the naming ceremony. This singular act has influenced my life a great deal; I always try hard to offer help whenever I am in a position to do so.
And my father loved music so much; I remember when he would wake up in the morning and connect his guitar to a speaker and play different highlife music. Gradually he started inviting one or two people to join him. Before you know it. D-Rovans Band was formed. The band grew bigger, and in order to find a place where they could operate from, D’Rovans Hotel was built.
Another of his passions was boxing. I remember him having a punching bag in the compound then, and boxers would come to our house to train, and at times he would be training with them as a sparring partner.
D’Rovans Hotel gave him the giant key that helped him work on passion for things that he really cared about.
He had a nightclub where he would join the musicians to sing and a boxing gym where he would train with boxers, and at the same time he was 100 per cent into his security business, and he still managed to find time for family. Please don’t ask me how he did it because I do not have a clue.
His ability to juggle so many passions was truly inspiring, and it left a lasting impression on everyone around him. People often wondered if he had discovered some secret to time management, but perhaps it was simply his unwavering dedication and love for what he did that made it all possible.
