The British High Commission in Nigeria and senior Nigerian government officials have intensified diplomatic and political engagement following a fatal road accident involving British-Nigerian boxing icon, Anthony Joshua, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, one of Nigeria’s busiest intercity highways linking Lagos, the country’s commercial capital, to Ibadan, a major city in south-western Nigeria.
Okay News reports that the Deputy Head of Mission of the British High Commission in Nigeria, Simon Field, paid a hospital visit to Joshua in Lagos, where the former world heavyweight boxing champion was receiving medical care after the crash. The visit formed part of ongoing diplomatic efforts by the United Kingdom to monitor the situation and support affected families.
Anthony Joshua, a globally renowned heavyweight boxer and former unified world champion who holds British and Nigerian heritage, was involved in the accident alongside three other occupants while travelling in a Toyota Lexus sport utility vehicle. The crash reportedly occurred around midday on Monday.
According to an official statement issued by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the Governor of Ogun State, Kayode Akinmade, Simon Field also held discussions with Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, both of whom separately visited the hospital following the incident.
“The British High Commission was formally notified of the accident. Officials of the Mission are monitoring developments and remain in contact with the hospital and the Ogun State Government,” the statement said.
“The Deputy Head of Mission, Mr. Simon Field, visited the hospital and met with Anthony Joshua and the two governors. The families of the deceased have also been contacted through the High Commission,” it added.
The Ogun State Government confirmed that two passengers lost their lives in the crash. They were identified as Ayodele Kelvin Olu, a thirty-six-year-old Nigerian-British citizen, and Gami Sina, a thirty-six-year-old British citizen.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, the chief executive of Ogun State in south-western Nigeria, said he immediately proceeded to the hospital upon receiving news of the accident. He was later joined by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the political leader of Nigeria’s economic hub.
“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,” Abiodun said.
Other high-ranking officials who visited the hospital included the Inspector-General of Police of Nigeria, Kayode Egbetokun, who heads the nation’s police force, and the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, Nigeria’s apex sports administration body.
The Ogun State Government stated that Joshua remained in a stable condition and expressed confidence in the medical care being provided.
“We are comfortable with the doctors and the quality of care at the hospital, and we appreciate the medical team for their professionalism,” Abiodun added.
Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the country’s head of government and former Lagos State Governor, was also briefed on the development. According to the state government, the President personally spoke with Joshua, his mother, and Governor Abiodun to express his sympathy.
Quoting the President, Abiodun said, “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.”
Authorities have ordered a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. The Ogun State Government assured that findings would be made public at the conclusion of the probe, while updates on Joshua’s health would continue to be shared as necessary.
