President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his sympathies to former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua following a tragic road accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway that claimed two lives and left the boxer injured.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement posted on his official X handle, President Tinubu described the incident as a tragedy that has cast a deep shadow over the season.
“I sympathize with you and your family as you bear the emotional weight of this unfortunate incident,” the President said.
“As a sportsman, you have always shown courage, discipline and unwavering love for our country. These are qualities that have made you a source of national pride.
“In moments like this, we must encourage one another as brothers and sisters with a shared destiny.”
President Tinubu prayed for strength, wisdom and grace for Joshua during the painful period, asking God to grant him a speedy recovery and repose to the souls of the departed.
Channels Television reported that Joshua was involved in the accident on Monday in the Makun area of Ogun State. The crash occurred around 11:00 a.m. along the heavily trafficked Lagos–Ibadan Expressway and resulted in the death of two persons.
The sports utility vehicle (SUV) conveying Joshua was said to have collided with a stationary truck. A video circulating online showed the 35-year-old former heavyweight champion being rescued from the wrecked vehicle, with visible injuries.
The accident occurred barely eight days after Joshua knocked out YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in their Netflix-backed bout in Miami.
In an official statement, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) attributed the crash to overspeeding and wrongful overtaking.
According to the FRSC, preliminary findings revealed that the Lexus Jeep, suspected to have been travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit, lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre and crashed into a stationary truck parked by the roadside.
“The primary causes of the crash being excessive speed and wrongful overtaking constitute serious traffic violations and remain among the leading causes of fatal road crashes on Nigerian highways,” the FRSC said.
The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wished Anthony Joshua a speedy recovery.
