The family of world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, has expressed deep distress over their continued inability to see the boxer following a tragic road accident along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway that claimed the lives of two of his close associates.
Speaking with journalists on Tuesday at the Joshua family home in Ijokun, Sagamu, the boxer’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, described the incident as a “rude shock” that has plunged the entire family into anxiety and grief.
According to him, the family only became aware of the accident after receiving several frantic calls from friends and well-wishers seeking confirmation of reports circulating online.
“Sincerely, the news that our son, Anthony Joshua, was involved in a fatal crash came to us as a rude shock. We did not hear about it on time until people began calling us,” he said.
Joshua, who visits Nigeria several times a year—particularly during festive periods—was expected to enjoy time with family, making the incident even more devastating.
Although the family has been in contact with Joshua’s parents, who are also currently in Nigeria, they have not been granted access to visit him at the undisclosed medical facility where he is receiving treatment.
“We are eager to see him, even if only three of us are allowed, but we understand the need to protect him given his global status,” his uncle added.
The crash, which occurred around 12 noon on Monday near the Sinoma axis of Sagamu, claimed the lives of Ayodele Kelvin Olu (36), a Nigerian-British citizen, and Gami Sina (36), a British national—both members of Joshua’s close circle.
The family expressed profound sorrow over the loss, offering prayers for the deceased and their families.
“We are heartbroken that two people very close to Joshua did not survive. Our prayers are with their families, and we ask God to grant them strength in this painful moment,” Adedamola Joshua said.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed that it is awaiting the outcome of a full technical investigation into the crash. Preliminary findings suggest that excessive speed may
FRSC spokesperson Olusegun Ogungbemide disclosed that the accident involved a black Lexus SUV (registration number KRD 850 HN), which collided with a stationary truck.
“From the level of impact, it is evident the vehicle was likely exceeding the speed limit. While there was no speed-measuring device at the exact location, trained officers can infer speed from the damage sustained,” he explained.
He added that five adult males were involved in the crash, with two dying instantly, while emergency responders arrived at the scene within three minutes.
The tragedy has drawn widespread reactions from political leaders, community groups and the international community.
Former Ogun State PDP governorship candidate, Oladipupo Adebutu, described the incident as “painful and sobering”, noting that it has cast a shadow over the festive season.
“Anthony Joshua remains a symbol of courage, discipline and national pride. My thoughts and prayers are with him and the bereaved families,” he said.
The Sagamu Youth Association also expressed deep sorrow, offering prayers for Joshua’s recovery and comfort for the families of the deceased.
Similarly, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central described the crash as “heart-wrenching and unacceptable”, using the moment to call attention to Nigeria’s persistent road safety challenges.
She urged the Federal Government to establish well-equipped highway rest stations and a dedicated emergency rescue system to reduce fatalities on major roads.
In the aftermath of the crash, the Deputy Head of Mission of the British High Commission, Simon Field, paid a visit to Joshua at the Lagos hospital. Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu have also been monitoring his condition.
President Bola Tinubu was briefed on the incident and reportedly spoke with both Anthony Joshua and his mother to convey his condolences and support.
As the family anxiously awaits permission to see the boxing icon, Nigerians and fans across the world continue to pray for Anthony Joshua’s recovery, while calls grow louder for improved road safety measures following a tragedy that has shaken both the sporting world and the nation.
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