The Deputy Head of Mission of the British High Commission, Simon Field, has visited world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua at a Lagos hospital following a fatal road accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
In a statement on Monday, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the Ogun State Governor, Kayode Akinmade, said Field met Joshua during the visit 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.
According to the statement, the British High Commission was formally notified of the accident and has remained in contact with the hospital and the Ogun State Government. It added that the families of the deceased had also been reached through the High Commission.
The accident occurred around midday on Monday and involved a Toyota Lexus vehicle conveying Joshua and three others. 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 visited the hospital where Joshua was receiving treatment and was later joined by Governor Sanwo-Olu. Both governors reportedly stayed for several hours to monitor the situation and ensure the boxer received appropriate medical care.
Speaking on the incident, Abiodun said he proceeded to the hospital immediately after receiving news of the crash and personally supervised Joshua’s treatment alongside his Lagos counterpart.
“As soon as I was informed, I went straight to the hospital and was later joined by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. We both 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, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade.
The Ogun State Government said Joshua was in a stable condition and receiving appropriate medical attention, 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,” Abiodun added.
President Bola Tinubu was also briefed on the accident. The state government said the President spoke separately with Joshua, his mother, and Governor Abiodun, conveying his sympathies and condolences.
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 crash, with assurances that details will be made public after the probe. The government said updates on Joshua’s condition and other developments would be communicated as necessary.
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