Internationally acclaimed boxing champion Anthony Joshua was involved in a fatal road accident on Monday, December 29, in the Makun area of Ogun State, prompting visits from top government officials and representatives of the British High Commission.
The accident occurred around midday along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway and involved a Toyota Lexus SUV conveying Joshua and three other passengers. Two occupants of the vehicle were confirmed dead. They were identified as Ayodele Kelvin Olu, a 36-year-old Nigerian-British citizen, and Gami Sina, a 36-year-old British citizen.
Following the incident, the Deputy Head of Mission at the British High Commission, Simon Field, visited Joshua at the hospital, according to a statement issued by Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the Ogun State Governor. Field also held discussions with Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu during the visit.
The statement noted that the British High Commission had been formally notified of the accident and that officials of the Mission were closely monitoring developments while maintaining contact with the hospital and the Ogun State Government. It added that the families of the deceased had been contacted through the High Commission.
In the aftermath of the crash, 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 oversee the situation and ensure that the boxer received appropriate medical attention.
Governor Abiodun said he moved immediately to the hospital upon receiving news of the accident and personally supervised Joshua’s treatment alongside his Lagos State counterpart. He expressed satisfaction with the quality of medical care being provided, assuring the public that Joshua was in stable condition.
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.
President Bola Tinubu was also briefed on the incident. According to the Ogun State Government, the President held separate conversations with Anthony Joshua, his mother, and Governor Abiodun, during which he conveyed his sympathies and condolences over the tragic loss of lives.
Authorities have since launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. The Ogun State Government said further details would be made public upon the conclusion of the probe and assured that updates on Joshua’s condition and other developments would be communicated as necessary.
