The President of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic accident involving heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua, which claimed the lives of two of his associates in the Makun area of Ogun State, Nigeria, on Monday.
WuzupNigeria had reported that the 36-year-old former world heavyweight champion was involved in a fatal car crash on Monday along the busy Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, around the Makun axis of Ogun State, while reportedly travelling from Lagos to Sagamu. The accident claimed the lives of two occupants, said to be in the vehicle with him.
Statements from the Ogun State Government and the Police Public Relations Officer confirmed that Joshua and his driver were hospitalised after sustaining injuries. However, the extent of their injuries has yet to be officially disclosed.
However, in a statement on his official X page (formerly Twitter), President Tinubu confirmed that he personally reached out to offer condolences, prayers and assurances of support to the injured athlete and the bereaved families.
He tweeted, “I have spoken with AJ to personally convey my condolences over the passing of his two close associates, Kevin Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami in the recent accident. I wished him a full and speedy recovery and prayed with him. AJ assured me he is receiving the best possible care. I also spoke with his mother and prayed for her. She was deeply appreciative of the call.
“Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was at the hospital with them, assured me he will do everything possible to ensure AJ receives the best attention. May God strengthen the families and grant repose to the souls of the departed.”
American YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul also shared an emotional reaction following the ghastly road accident involving his last opponent, the heavyweight boxer.
Reacting to the incident, Paul—who suffered a sixth-round knockout defeat and a broken jaw in his bout against Joshua just 10 days earlier—shared heartfelt messages and prayers for the victims.
“Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ, and everyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident,” Jake Paul wrote on his X (formerly Twitter) page.
Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) December 29, 2025
In the same light, Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, in a chat with Daily Mail Sport, said, “We are trying to contact Anthony, and in the meantime, we don’t want to speculate on how he is, but thankfully, he appears okay from what I have seen in the images. We are awaiting more information on what has happened and will update in due course.”
Also reacting, veteran British broadcaster and journalist Piers Morgan expressed shock, saying, “Incredible that Anthony Joshua survived this,” while adding a prayer emoji.
Incredible that Anthony Joshua survived this. 🙏 https://t.co/Z4slyWSwLl
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) December 29, 2025
A relative of Anthony Joshua, who spoke in confidence to the BBC, said, “We are hoping for his speedy recovery and also the people who passed away – I pray for the departed to rest in peace.”
“He’s normally coming around for the new year. We haven’t seen him, so we were expecting him,” the relative added.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Government described the incident as deeply unfortunate and painful, particularly with the loss of precious lives, while others sustained varying degrees of injuries and are receiving medical care.
The statement said, “The fatal accident occurred along the busy Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, within the Makun axis of Ogun State, and sadly claimed the lives of two persons. Anthony Joshua and three other individuals were reportedly travelling from Lagos to Sagamu at the time of the incident.
“Preliminary reports indicate that two male foreign nationals died on the spot. Their remains have since been deposited at the Livewell Morgue in Sagamu. Anthony Joshua and the driver of the vehicle were promptly rescued by security personnel attached to his convoy and taken to a hospital, where they are currently receiving medical attention.
“The sport utility vehicle conveying the occupants was said to have rammed into a stationary truck along the expressway. While the severely damaged vehicle has been evacuated to the Sagamu Motor Traffic Division (MTD) office, efforts are ongoing to tow the truck involved to the same location to facilitate a comprehensive investigation.”
More to come…
