British Envoy, Governors Visit Anthony Joshua After Fatal Lagos–Ibadan Expressway Crash
The Deputy Head of Mission of the British High Commission to Nigeria, Mr. Simon Field, on Monday visited world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, at a Lagos hospital where he is receiving treatment following a fatal road accident along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
Global Mirror News gathered that the visit followed formal notification of the incident to the British High Commission, which has since been closely monitoring developments and maintaining contact with Nigerian authorities and the hospital.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the Ogun State Governor, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, Mr. Field met with Anthony Joshua during the hospital visit and also held discussions with Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
According to the statement, the High Commission has also reached out to the families of those who lost their lives in the accident.
“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 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,” the statement read.
The accident occurred around midday on Monday and involved a Toyota Lexus SUV conveying Anthony Joshua and three other passengers. Two occupants of the vehicle were confirmed dead.
They were identified as Ayodele Kelvin Olu, a 36-year-old Nigerian-British citizen, and Gami Sina, a 36-year-old British citizen.
Following the crash, Governor Abiodun immediately visited the Lagos hospital where Joshua was admitted and was later joined by Governor Sanwo-Olu.
Both Governors reportedly remained at the facility for several hours to personally monitor the situation and ensure the boxer received appropriate medical care.
Speaking on the development, Governor Abiodun said he moved straight to the hospital upon receiving information about the accident and jointly supervised Joshua’s treatment with his Lagos State counterpart.
“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,” he said.
Other Senior Officials who visited the hospital included the Inspector-General of Police, IG Kayode Egbetokun, and the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Mr. Bukola Olopade.
The Ogun State Government confirmed that Anthony Joshua remained in a stable condition and was responding to treatment, expressing satisfaction with the quality of care provided by the medical team.
“We are comfortable with the doctors and the quality of care at the hospital, and we appreciate the medical team for their professionalism,” Governor Abiodun added.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was also briefed on the incident.
According to the State Government, the President spoke separately with Anthony Joshua, his mother, and Governor Abiodun, during which he expressed his sympathies and condolences over the tragic loss of lives.
Quoting the President, Governor 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 the findings of the probe would be made public upon completion and that further updates on Joshua’s condition would be communicated as necessary.
Global Mirror News further learnt that in a telephone conversation after the accident, President Tinubu reiterated his sympathy to Joshua and his family, offering prayers and comfort while stressing the need for unity and mutual support during the difficult period.
