A tragic road accident involving world-renowned boxer Anthony Joshua on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway has prompted high-level visits from both British and Nigerian officials. The incident, which occurred on Monday around midday, resulted in the death of two passengers and led to Joshua being hospitalized in Lagos.
High-Level Response to the Tragedy
The Deputy Head of Mission at the British High Commission, Simon Field, personally visited Anthony Joshua at the medical facility in Lagos. This visit was part of the ongoing diplomatic engagement following the crash. Field also held discussions with Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and his Lagos State counterpart, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, during his time at the hospital.
According to a statement from the Ogun State Governor's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, the British High Commission was formally notified of the accident and has maintained close contact with relevant authorities. Officials are monitoring Joshua's medical situation and remain in touch with the hospital and the Ogun State Government.
Governors Take Charge of Medical Care
The state governors played a hands-on role in the aftermath. Governor Dapo Abiodun proceeded directly to the hospital upon receiving news of the accident and was later joined by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The two leaders remained at the hospital for over seven hours to oversee the boxer's treatment and ensure he received appropriate care.
"We both took charge of the situation, oversaw Anthony Joshua’s care, and remained at the hospital for over seven hours," Governor Abiodun stated. The Ogun State Government confirmed that Joshua is in a stable condition and expressed satisfaction with the professionalism of the medical team attending to him.
Fatalities and Presidential Condolences
The accident involved a Toyota Lexus jeep carrying Joshua and three other occupants. Two passengers, identified as 36-year-old Nigerian-British citizen Ayodele Kelvin Olu and 36-year-old British citizen Gami Sina, were confirmed dead in the crash. The British High Commission confirmed that the families of the deceased have been contacted through their offices.
President Bola Tinubu was briefed on the incident and subsequently held separate telephone conversations with Anthony Joshua, the boxer's mother, and Governor Abiodun. The President conveyed his profound sympathy and condolences to all affected by the tragedy.
"This immense tragedy has cast a deep shadow over this season. These are very difficult moments, and we must stand firm, united, and encourage one another as brothers and sisters with a shared destiny," President Tinubu said. Authorities have ordered a full investigation into the cause of the crash, with findings to be made public upon completion.
Other prominent figures who visited the hospital included the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade. Anthony Joshua is in Nigeria for the festive period following his recent exhibition bout against Jake Paul in Miami.
