World boxing champion Anthony Joshua is recovering in hospital following a serious road accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The accident, which happened around midday, claimed the lives of two people and left the famous boxer and others injured.
The Ogun State Government confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Monday. The statement was signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade. According to the government, Joshua is currently in stable condition and receiving proper medical care.
The crash involved a Toyota Lexus jeep that was carrying Anthony Joshua and three other passengers. Two of the passengers sadly lost their lives in the accident. They were identified as Ayodele Kelvin Olu, aged 36, a Nigerian-British citizen, and Gami Sina, also aged 36, a British citizen.
Details of how the accident occurred are still being investigated, but authorities described it as a tragic incident that has deeply affected many people, both in Nigeria and abroad. The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is one of the busiest roads in the country and has a long history of road accidents, often linked to heavy traffic, speeding, and poor driving conditions.
Following news of the crash, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, moved quickly to the hospital where Anthony Joshua was receiving treatment. According to the state government, the governor arrived shortly after he was informed about the accident.
“Upon receiving information about the accident, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, visited the hospital where Joshua was receiving treatment,” the statement said.
Governor Abiodun was later joined by the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Both governors stayed at the hospital for several hours to monitor the situation and ensure that Joshua and others injured in the crash received the best possible care.
Speaking on the incident, Governor Abiodun said he personally followed the boxer’s treatment closely. “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.
The presence of the two governors highlighted the seriousness of the situation and the importance of Anthony Joshua, who is widely celebrated in Nigeria and across the world. Joshua, who was born in the United Kingdom to Nigerian parents, has often spoken proudly of his Nigerian roots and enjoys strong support from fans in the country.
Other senior government officials also visited the hospital. Among them were the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, and the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Mr. Bukola Olopade. Their visits were meant to assess the situation and offer support to the injured and their families.
The Presidency was also fully briefed on the accident. According to government sources, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu spoke separately with Anthony Joshua, his mother, and Governor Abiodun. During the conversations, the President expressed his sympathy and offered condolences to the families of those who died in the crash.
The British High Commission in Nigeria was also informed about the incident, given that Anthony Joshua and the two deceased passengers are British citizens. The Deputy Head of Mission, Mr. Simon Field, visited the hospital and met with Joshua as well as Governors Abiodun and Sanwo-Olu.
The High Commission also helped to reach out to the families of the deceased victims to inform them of the tragic incident and offer support during the difficult time.
In its statement, the Ogun State Government confirmed that Anthony Joshua is responding well to treatment. “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.
The government also sent condolences to the families of Ayodele Kelvin Olu and Gami Sina, describing their deaths as a painful loss. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families at this very difficult time,” the statement added.
Anthony Joshua is one of the most successful boxers of his generation. He is a former unified heavyweight world champion and has held multiple world titles. Over the years, he has become a global sports figure and a source of pride for many Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.
News of the accident spread quickly on social media, with fans and fellow athletes sending messages of support and prayers for Joshua’s recovery. Many Nigerians also expressed sadness over the loss of lives and called for improved road safety on major highways.
The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway has remained a major concern for road users. Despite ongoing reconstruction work, accidents are still common due to speeding, reckless driving, and traffic congestion. Road safety groups have repeatedly urged drivers to be cautious and obey traffic rules.
Governor Abiodun assured Nigerians that the government would continue to provide updates as needed. He also quoted President Tinubu, who described the incident as a great tragedy.
“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,” the President said.