The Deputy Head of Mission at the British High Commission, Simon Field, has visited world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua at a Lagos hospital following a fatal road accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
Gatekeepers News reports that the visit was confirmed in a statement issued on Monday by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the Ogun State Governor, Kayode Akinmade. According to the statement, Field met with Joshua during the hospital visit and also held discussions with Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
“The British High Commission was formally notified of the accident. Officials of the Mission are monitoring developments and remain in contact with the hospital and the Ogun State Government,” the statement said.
“The Deputy Head of Mission, Mr Simon Field, visited the hospital and met with Anthony Joshua and the two governors. The families of the deceased have also been contacted through the High Commission.”
The accident occurred around midday on Monday and involved a Toyota Lexus SUV conveying Joshua and three other passengers. Two occupants of the vehicle — Ayodele Kelvin Olu, a 36-year-old Nigerian-British citizen, and Gami Sina, a 36-year-old British citizen — lost their lives in the crash.
Following the incident, Governor Abiodun visited the Lagos hospital where Joshua was receiving treatment and was later joined by Governor Sanwo-Olu. Both governors reportedly remained at the hospital for several hours to closely monitor the situation and ensure that the boxer received appropriate medical care.
Speaking on the incident, Governor Abiodun said he rushed to the hospital immediately after receiving information about the crash.
“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.
The Ogun State Government reassured the public that Joshua is in stable condition and responding well to treatment, expressing satisfaction with the quality of care being provided.
“We are comfortable with the doctors and the quality of care at the hospital, and we appreciate the medical team for their professionalism,” Governor Abiodun said.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was also briefed on the incident. According to the state government, the President held separate conversations with Anthony Joshua, his mother and Governor Abiodun, during which he conveyed his heartfelt sympathies and condolences.
Quoting the President, Governor Abiodun said:
“This immense tragedy has cast a deep shadow over this season. These are very difficult moments, and we must stand firm, united, and support one another as brothers and sisters with a shared destiny.”
Authorities have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. The Ogun State Government assured that findings of the probe, as well as updates on Joshua’s condition, would be made public as developments unfold.
