President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun and other Nigerians have sent condolences to British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua following a fatal road accident in Makun, Ogun State, on Monday that claimed two lives, The PUNCH reports.
The Ogun and Lagos State governments confirmed on Monday that Joshua is in stable condition and receiving medical care at a specialised hospital in Lagos alongside another survivor of the crash.
In a joint statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Lagos State, Gbenga Omotoso, and Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Ogun State, Kayode Akinmade, the governments said the former two-time heavyweight champion was immediately evacuated from the scene.
President Tinubu, in a message addressed to Joshua on X on Monday, described the incident as a tragic loss that has cast a shadow over the season, while praying for the repose of the deceased and a speedy recovery for the boxer.
“I extend my deep sympathies to you following the tragic accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, which claimed two precious lives and caused you injuries,” Tinubu said.
“This immense tragedy casts a deep shadow on this season. I sympathise with you and your family as you bear the emotional weight of this unfortunate incident. As a sportsman, you have always shown courage, discipline, and unwavering love for our country. These are qualities that have made you a source of national pride.”
The President added, “In moments like this, we must encourage one another as brothers and sisters with a shared destiny. I pray for strength, wisdom, and grace for you during this painful period. May God grant you a speedy recovery and repose to the souls of the departed.”
Three hours later, Tinubu revealed he had a call with Joshua and his family and was assured the boxer was getting the best care.
“I have spoken with AJ to personally convey my condolences over the passing of his two close associates, Kevin Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami in the recent accident. I wished him a full and speedy recovery, and prayed with him. AJ assured me he is receiving the best possible care.
“I also spoke with his mother and prayed for her. She was deeply appreciative of the call. Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was at the hospital with them, assured me he will do everything possible to ensure AJ receives the best attention. May God strengthen the families and grant repose to the souls of the departed,” he wrote.
Atiku also expressed deep sadness over the incident and prayed for Joshua’s swift recovery.
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the road accident involving @anthonyjoshua today in Makun, Ogun State. I stand in full solidarity with him during this difficult moment and pray for his swift and complete recovery. Anthony remains a symbol of strength and resilience, and I have no doubt he will come through this with grace,” the Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate wrote as he also extended condolences to the families of the deceased.
The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, also expressed sorrow over the ghastly car crash.
“It is particularly worrisome that this incident occurred while he was in Nigeria. It is with deep concern that I received the news of the road accident involving former heavyweight boxing champion, Mr Anthony Joshua, in Makun, Ogun State. May God grant the departed eternal rest,” he wrote.
Former Governor Amosun, in a statement signed by his media aide, Lanre Akinwale, described the incident as saddening, painful, and most unfortunate.
“While we mourn this grievous loss, we give thanks to the Almighty God for sparing your life. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult moment,” Amosun stated.
“I wish you a speedy and full recovery, and I pray for the peaceful repose of the departed souls. May the good Lord grant comfort to their families and loved ones, and give them the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, on Monday, moved swiftly to the hospital to visit the boxer.
“On behalf of the National Sports Commission and the entire Nigerian sports family, I express my heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in this unfortunate accident,” Olopade said.
“We thank God for the life of Anthony Joshua. Our thoughts and prayers are with him as he recovers, and we wish him a full and speedy return to good health.”
Nigerian Boxing Federation International rep Azania Omo-Agege sent the federation’s best wishes.
“It’s sad that happened just after his fight when he came home to relax,” he told The PUNCH.
“My condolences to the victims who died and to Joshua. He is a man of resilience, and we thank God he is alive and we wish him a speedy recovery.”
The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi, confirmed in a statement that Joshua was seated in the rear of the Lexus SUV and sustained minor injuries.
“Tragically, two other passengers in the vehicle lost their lives at the scene. The deceased have been conveyed to Livewell Hospital Morgue, Sagamu. The Ogun State Police Command extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and assures the public that a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident has commenced,” Babaseyi stated.
The Federal Road Safety Corps, in a statement on Monday, noted that preliminary findings indicated the Lexus Jeep with registration number KRD 850 HN was travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit when it lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre and crashed into the stationary truck.
“The primary causes of the crash, being excessive speed and wrongful overtaking, constitute serious traffic violations and remain among the leading causes of fatal road crashes on Nigerian highways,” the Corps stated.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed, on behalf of the FRSC, extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wished Joshua a speedy recovery.
Nigerian fans flooded social media with prayers and messages of support for the boxer.
Analyst Adekola posted, “Sending strength and prayers to Anthony Joshua from the road accident in Makun, Ogun State today. Wishing you a very speedy recovery, we are rooting for you. Get well soon, Champ,” while Marvis Eboka wrote on X, “Pray for Anthony Joshua.”
Chidi Ejim recognised the boxer was saved by a miracle, writing in pidgin, “Na God save Anthony Joshua ooo.” Emma Divine added, “Anthony Joshua involved in road accidents keh. Sha make nothing do AJ oo.”
Emmanuel Uket stated, “Anthony Joshua was involved in an accident, and two people are reportedly dead. May God protect him.”
He received more prayers with DAIO (@Theifedayo) writing, “Anthony Joshua involved in an accident? I hope and pray he is okay, ooh.” Abasieno Sam posting, “Fmr WBC Champion Anthony Joshua was involved in a road accident today along the Lagos Ibadan expressway in Makun, Ogun State, Nigeria. I pray he’s safe.”
“Anthony Joshua in a car crash, speedy recovery champ,” Solomon (@wholesomeempire) added.
Salawu Idris stated, “Nah. God really saved Anthony Joshua. The accident was fatal!”
EngrMideh4Truth (@wandypee) wrote, “Abeg make nothing do Anthony Joshua o. I hope he’s alright.”
Joshua had been in Nigeria ahead of his planned attendance at various sporting events and community engagements. The 35-year-old last fought in Miami on December 19, when he knocked out Jake Paul in the sixth round to earn a career-high $93m purse.
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