The Deputy Head of Mission of the British High Commission, Simon Field, visited world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua in a Lagos hospital following a fatal road accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
According to a statement from Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to Ogun State Governor, Field met with Joshua and also held discussions with Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as British officials continue to monitor developments surrounding 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 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 said.
The accident, which occurred around midday on Monday, involved a Toyota Lexus SUV carrying Joshua and three other passengers. Two occupants of the vehicle, identified as 36-year-old Nigerian-British citizen Ayodele Kelvin Olu and 36-year-old British citizen Gami Sina, died in the crash.
Following the incident, Governors Abiodun and Sanwo-Olu visited Joshua at the hospital, staying for several hours to oversee his treatment and ensure he received proper care.
“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 senior officials who visited included Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade. The Ogun State Government confirmed that Joshua is in stable condition and receiving appropriate medical attention, expressing confidence in the hospital’s medical team.
President Bola Tinubu was also briefed on the accident and spoke separately with Joshua, his mother, and Governor Abiodun, offering condolences and prayers. 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 launched a full investigation into the circumstances of the crash, with the Ogun State Government promising to release details once the probe is concluded. Updates on Joshua’s condition and related developments will be shared with the public as necessary.
PUNCH Online reported that in a phone conversation after the accident, President Tinubu expressed sympathy to Joshua and his family, emphasizing the importance of unity and support during this difficult time.
