World heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua is recuperating in hospital following a road traffic accident that occurred on Monday along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, authorities have confirmed.
The accident, which happened around midday, involved a Toyota Lexus SUV conveying Joshua and three other passengers. Two occupants of the vehicle died in the crash. They were identified as Ayodele Kelvin Olu, 36, a Nigerian-British citizen, and Gami Sina, 36, a British citizen.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the Ogun State Governor, Kayode Akinmade, the Ogun State Government confirmed the incident and expressed condolences to the families of the deceased.
Following reports of the accident, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun visited the hospital where Joshua was receiving treatment. He was later joined by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Both governors reportedly remained at the facility for several hours to personally oversee the situation and ensure that the boxer received appropriate medical attention.
Governor Abiodun said he proceeded immediately to the hospital after being informed of the incident and monitored Joshua’s treatment alongside his Lagos State counterpart.
“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,” the governor 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 Presidency was also fully briefed on the incident. According to government sources, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu spoke separately with Anthony Joshua, his mother, and Governor Abiodun, during which he conveyed his sympathies and condolences over the tragic loss of lives.
The British High Commission in Nigeria, which was formally notified of the accident, also mobilised its officials to monitor the developments closely as it remains in contact with the hospital and the Ogun State Government.
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 High Commission.
The Ogun State Government said Joshua remains in a stable condition and is receiving appropriate medical care, adding that it is satisfied with the quality of treatment being provided by the medical team.
Governor Abiodun assured the public that every effort was being made to guarantee the best possible outcome for the boxer.
“We are comfortable with the doctors and the quality of care at the hospital, and we appreciate the medical team for their professionalism,” the governor said.
Authorities have ordered a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. The state government said findings of the probe would be made public upon completion.
Quoting President Tinubu, Governor Abiodun added that the incident was a sobering reminder of the fragility of life.
“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,” he said.
