AJ’s Family Mourns Victims of Fatal Road Crash

The family of heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has expressed deep shock and sadness following the road accident involving the boxer and three others, which claimed the lives of two of his associates.

Joshua was involved in the fatal crash on Monday along the Makun axis, before Danco Filling Station, near the Sagamu Interchange on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. The accident occurred around midday and involved a Toyota Lexus SUV conveying Joshua and three other passengers.

Two occupants of the vehicle died in the incident. They were identified as Ayodele Kelvin Olu (36), a Nigerian-British citizen, and Gami Sina (36), a British citizen.

Speaking with journalists at the Joshua family residence in the Ijokun area of Sagamu, Ogun State, one of Joshua’s uncles, Mr. Adedamola Joshua, said the incident had thrown the family into deep mourning. He disclosed that he was informed of the crash by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, DIG Soyanwo.

“When the accident happened, DIG Soyanwo called me and informed me. He asked who he could contact in the family, and I gave him the phone numbers of our family lawyer, Jumoke Coker, and Oye Joshua,” he said.

Mr. Adedamola added that the accident happened less than six hours after Joshua and his friends arrived in Nigeria and while they were travelling to Sagamu to spend the festive period with family members.

“The incident shook our family deeply. Though our son, Anthony, is alive, two of his friends, who came to celebrate with us, lost their lives. This is a serious tragedy, not only for our family, but for Ogun State, Nigeria, and the world at large,” he said.

He explained that although extended family members had not been allowed to see the boxer, who is receiving treatment at an undisclosed medical facility in Lagos, they have been in constant contact with Joshua’s parents and assured that he is responding well to treatment.

Expressing gratitude to God for sparing Joshua’s life and that of the driver, Mr. Adedamola said, “We are deeply saddened that two people very close to Anthony did not survive. Our hearts are with their families.”

He appealed to authorities to allow limited family access to visit Joshua, while assuring that the family respects medical and security protocols.

Also speaking, an elder brother to Joshua’s father, Mr. David Joshua, confirmed that the boxer and his friends were travelling from Lagos to Sagamu when the accident occurred.

“We have not been allowed to see him, but from information given by authorities, he is responding to treatment,” he said.

No Plan to Fly Joshua Abroad — Source

Amid speculations that Joshua might be flown out of the country for further medical care, a source told Vanguard that no such plan exists.

According to the source, the Lagos and Ogun State governments, as well as the British government, have ruled out the option. “There is no plan to fly him out. We are satisfied with the treatment given to him here in Nigeria, and there is improvement,” the source said.

Police Say Tyre Burst Caused Accident

The Ogun State Police Command disclosed that a tyre burst caused the accident involving the boxing champion. The Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, made this known on Tuesday during an interview with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).

This contrasts with earlier findings by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), which had attributed the crash to excessive speed and wrongful overtaking, stating that Joshua’s SUV was travelling beyond the prescribed speed limit and lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre.

Governors, British Envoy Visit Joshua

Meanwhile, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the Deputy Head of Mission of the British High Commission, Mr. Simon Field, visited Joshua in the hospital on Monday.

In a statement, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the Ogun State Governor, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, said the visitors met with Joshua and discussed with him.

“The accident, which occurred around midday on Monday, involved a Toyota Lexus jeep conveying Joshua and three other passengers. Two passengers lost their lives in the incident,” Akinmade said, reiterating the identities of the deceased.

He added that Joshua remains in a stable condition and is receiving appropriate medical attention. “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.

According to him, authorities have ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident, with details to be made public upon completion.

Lawmakers Sympathise, Call for Safety Reforms

Reacting to the tragedy, Senator Solomon Adeola, representing Ogun West Senatorial District, expressed sadness over the incident, describing it as a painful loss during the Yuletide season.

“It was indeed a sad event involving a boxing legend from Ogun State. The loss of precious lives on holidays is heartbreaking,” he said in a statement issued by his media adviser, Kayode Odunaro.

Similarly, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central described the incident as “heart-wrenching and unacceptable,” calling for urgent reforms in highway safety enforcement.

“My heart goes out to Anthony Joshua at this very painful time. Losing two close friends in such a tragic manner is devastating,” she said.

She added: “Nigerian highways have become corridors of sorrow. Road safety is not optional; it is a matter of life and death. Rules without enforcement are meaningless.”

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