Former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua is recuperating in hospital after being involved in a road traffic accident along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway on Monday, the Ogun State Government has confirmed.
Gatekeepers News reports that the accident occurred around midday and involved a Toyota Lexus jeep conveying Joshua and three other passengers. Two occupants of the vehicle — Ayodele Kelvin Olu, 36, a Nigerian-British citizen, and Gami Sina, 36, a British citizen — lost their lives in the incident.
The Ogun State Government expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and assured the public that Joshua is receiving appropriate medical care. Governor Dapo Abiodun, upon receiving information about the accident, visited the hospital where the boxer was being treated. He was later joined by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Both governors reportedly remained at the hospital for several hours to oversee the situation.
Speaking on the incident, Governor Abiodun said he immediately proceeded to the hospital and personally monitored Joshua’s treatment.
“As soon as I was informed, I headed straight to the hospital and was later joined by the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. We both took charge of the situation, oversaw Anthony Joshua’s care, and remained at the hospital for over seven hours,” he said.
Other senior officials who visited the hospital included the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, who offered institutional and professional support.
The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, was fully briefed on the development. According to government sources, the President spoke separately with Anthony Joshua, his mother, and Governor Abiodun, during which he conveyed his sympathies and condolences.
The British High Commission was formally notified of the accident and has been monitoring developments. The Deputy Head of Mission, Simon Field, visited the hospital and met with Joshua and the two governors, while the families of the deceased were contacted through the mission.
Providing an update on Joshua’s condition, the Ogun State Government said the boxer remains in a stable condition and is responding well to treatment, adding that it is satisfied with the quality of care being provided by the medical team.
The disclosure was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abeokuta by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade.
Governor Abiodun assured Nigerians that everything possible was being done to ensure the best medical care for Joshua.
“We are comfortable with the doctors and the quality of care at the hospital, and we appreciate the medical team for their professionalism,” he said.
He added that a full investigation has been ordered into the circumstances surrounding the accident, noting that findings would be made public upon completion. The state government, he said, would continue to provide updates on Joshua’s condition and other related developments.
Governor Abiodun also quoted President Tinubu as saying:
“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.”
