The Deputy Head of Mission of the British High Commission, Simon Field, has visited world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua in hospital following a fatal road accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
The visit was confirmed in a statement issued on Monday by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the Ogun State Governor, Kayode Akinmade.
According to the statement, Field met Joshua during the hospital visit and also held talks with Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as British authorities continue to follow 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 statement said.
It added, “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 accident occurred around midday on Monday and involved a Toyota Lexus jeep conveying Joshua and three other passengers.
The Ogun State Government confirmed that two people died in the crash. 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 Lagos hospital where Joshua was receiving treatment. He was later joined by Governor Sanwo-Olu. Both governors reportedly stayed at the hospital for several hours to ensure the boxer received proper medical attention.
Speaking on the incident, Abiodun said he went to the hospital immediately after he was informed.
“As soon as I was informed, I headed straight to the hospital and was later joined by the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu,” he said.
“We both took charge of the situation, oversaw Anthony Joshua’s care, and remained at the hospital for over seven hours,” the governor added.
Other top officials who also 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 was responding to treatment.
“We are comfortable with the doctors and the quality of care at the hospital, and we appreciate the medical team for their professionalism,” Abiodun said.
President Bola Tinubu was also briefed on the accident. The state government said the President spoke separately with Joshua, his mother, and Governor Abiodun to express his sympathy 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 cause of the crash. The Ogun State Government said the outcome of the probe would be made public.
The government added that updates on Joshua’s condition and other related developments would be communicated as the situation unfolds.
