Photo caption: Anthony Joshua is helped out of his Lexus SUV following a crash on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Monday. Photo: Adeniyi Orojo/PUNCH.
The family of world heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, has expressed deep concern over their inability to see the boxer following a tragic road accident on Monday along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
Speaking to journalists at the Sagamu family home in Ijokun on Tuesday, the boxer’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, described the news as a “rude shock” to the family.
He revealed that the family only learned of the accident after multiple calls from friends and well-wishers.
“Sincerely, the news that our son, Anthony Joshua, was involved in a fatal crash came to us as a rude shock,” he said. “We did not get to hear this terrible news on time until calls started coming in from people seeking confirmation. Anthony comes home three or four times a year, especially during the festive season, and it is usually a time to rejoice with family. This was completely unexpected.”
The uncle added that while the family has been in touch with Anthony Joshua’s parents—who are also in Nigeria—they have not been allowed to visit him at the undisclosed medical facility where he is receiving treatment.
“We are all eager to see him, even if only three of us are allowed, but we understand the need to protect him given his global status,” he said.
The crash claimed the lives of two of Joshua’s close friends and team members: Ayodele Kelvin Olu, 36, a Nigerian-British citizen, and Gami Sina, 36, a British citizen.
Joshua’s uncle expressed sorrow for their deaths, offering prayers for the bereaved families.
“We are really sad that two people who were very close to Joshua did not survive. Our hearts are with their families and associates. We pray that the Lord gives them strength to bear this painful loss,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Federal Road Safety Corps said on Tuesday it was awaiting the outcome of a full technical investigation into the crash.
Preliminary assessments suggest excessive speed as a major factor.
FRSC spokesperson, Olusegun Ogungbemide, said the accident occurred around 12 noon near the Sinoma axis of Sagamu and involved a black Lexus SUV, registered KRD 850 HN, colliding with a stationary truck.
“When you look at the impact of that crash, it is clear that the vehicle was likely exceeding the speed limit,” Ogungbemide said. “Although there was no speed-measuring device at the exact point of impact, trained officers can infer likely speed from the damage and force involved. Only a full technical investigation will determine the exact cause.”
He added that five adult males were involved in the crash, two of whom died instantly.
“Emergency teams responded within three minutes,” Ogungbemide noted.
Political leaders and community groups have also reacted to the tragedy.
Ogun State 2023 PDP governorship candidate, Oladipupo Adebutu, described the incident as a “painful and sobering tragedy” that has cast a shadow over the season.
“Anthony Joshua remains a symbol of courage, discipline, resilience, and national pride. My thoughts and prayers are with him, the bereaved families, and all affected by this unfortunate incident,” Adebutu said.
Similarly, Sagamu Youth Association expressed profound sadness, offering prayers for Joshua’s swift recovery and for the families of the deceased.
“Our hearts go out to the families, friends, and loved ones of the departed during this moment of immeasurable grief,” said the association’s Public Relations Officer, Olakunle Popoola.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, called the crash “heart-wrenching and unacceptable,” using the tragedy to highlight Nigeria’s ongoing road safety challenges.
“My heart goes out to Anthony Joshua at this very painful time. Losing two close friends in such a tragic manner is devastating. I pray God grants him strength and comfort, and that the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace,” she said.
The senator urged the Federal Government to establish well-equipped rest stations and a dedicated highway emergency rescue system to prevent such fatalities in the future.
Following the crash, the Deputy Head of Mission of the British High Commission, Simon Field, visited Joshua at the Lagos hospital, while Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu also monitored his condition.
President Bola Tinubu was briefed on the incident and spoke separately with Joshua and his mother to convey condolences.
As the family awaits permission to see the boxer, Nigerians continue to pray for Anthony Joshua’s recovery and for the swift conclusion of the FRSC’s investigation into the crash that has shocked both the local community and the sporting world.
Meanwhile, the Governments of Ogun and Lagos states had in an earlier statement jointly signed by the Special Adviser, Information, Ogun State, Kayode Akinmade and Commissioner, Information and Strategy, Lagos State, Gbenga Omotoso, said: “We wish to confirm that Anthony Joshua, the British-Nigerian two-time unified world heavyweight boxing champion, was involved in a road traffic accident earlier today along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
“The vehicle conveying the team of 4, ran into a stationery truck resulting in 2 fatalities.
“We sympathise with the families of those involved in the accident, and pray that God will grant them the strength to go through this difficult time.
“Anthony Joshua and another passenger were immediately evacuated to a specialised facility in Lagos.
“Doctors have conducted several clinical assessments and confirmed that both patients are stable and do not require any emergency interventions at this time.
“A comprehensive medical team has since been convened and will continue to monitor them closely.
“Anthony Joshua has since been relating well with his family.
“The Governments of Ogun and Lagos States are keenly monitoring the situation and will ensure that the two persons receive the best medical care.
“We have also commenced investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
“We appreciate the public’s concern and ask for privacy for Anthony Joshua and his family during this time.”
