World boxing champion Anthony Joshua is currently recovering in a hospital following a road traffic accident that took place along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway on Monday.
The accident, which occurred around midday, involved a Toyota Lexus jeep carrying Joshua and three other passengers. Tragically, two passengers, identified as 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 confirmed the accident and extended its condolences to the families of the deceased. Governor Dapo Abiodun promptly visited the hospital where Joshua is receiving treatment, later joined by Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Together, both governors spent several hours at the hospital to oversee the situation and ensure that Joshua received appropriate medical care.
Reflecting on the incident, Governor Abiodun stated, “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.”
Other senior officials who visited the hospital included the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, and the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Mr. Bukola Olopade, both of whom offered institutional and professional support.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was fully briefed on the incident and reportedly spoke separately with Anthony Joshua, his mother, and Governor Abiodun, conveying his sympathies and condolences.
The British High Commission was formally notified about the accident, and its officials are monitoring developments while maintaining contact with the hospital and the Ogun State Government. The Deputy Head of Mission, Mr. Simon Field, visited the hospital to meet with Anthony Joshua and the two governors. The families of the deceased have also been contacted through the High Commission.
Regarding Joshua’s health, the Ogun State Government confirmed that he remains in stable condition and is receiving adequate medical attention. The government expressed satisfaction with the quality of care being provided by the medical team.
This information was relayed in a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, to newsmen in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Tuesday.
Governor Abiodun assured the public that every effort is being made to ensure the best possible medical care for the boxing champion. “We are comfortable with the doctors and the quality of care at the hospital, and we appreciate the medical team for their professionalism,” he stated.
He also confirmed that authorities have ordered a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident, promising that the findings will be made public upon completion. The governor emphasized that his government would continue to provide updates on Joshua’s condition and any developments related to the incident as necessary.
Quoting President Tinubu, he remarked, “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.”
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