The Deputy Head of Mission at the British High Commission, Mr Simon Field, on Monday paid a hospital visit to former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua following a fatal road crash on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
A statement by Mr Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the Ogun State governor, said Field met with Joshua and held discussions with Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun and his Lagos State counterpart, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as British officials continued to follow developments.
“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, adding that the High Commission had also contacted the families of the deceased.
The crash occurred shortly after 11:00am on the Ibadan-bound axis, just before the Danco filling station and ahead of the Sagamu interchange, PUNCH Online had reported. An eyewitness said the Lexus SUV conveying Joshua, bearing registration KRD 850 HN, collided with a stationary truck.
Two occupants of the vehicle were confirmed dead at the scene. They have been identified as Ayodele Kelvin Olu, 36, a Nigerian-British national, and Gami Sina, 36, a British citizen. Joshua, who sustained minor injuries, and other victims were rushed to an undisclosed hospital for treatment.
Governor Abiodun said he went to the hospital immediately after receiving word of the accident and supervised Joshua’s care alongside Governor Sanwo-Olu. “We both took charge of the situation, oversaw Anthony Joshua’s care, and remained at the hospital for over seven hours,” the governor 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’s condition was stable and that it was satisfied with the medical team attending to him. The identity of the hospital was not disclosed, and authorities said further medical updates would be provided as necessary.
President Bola Tinubu was briefed on the incident and spoke separately with Joshua, his mother and Governor Abiodun to offer condolences and assurance. Quoting the President, the state government noted the need for unity and mutual support during the difficult period.
Akinmade said a full investigation into the circumstances of the crash has been ordered and that findings would be made public once the probe is concluded. Meanwhile, emergency and traffic officials remain on site as inquiries continue.
