President Bola Tinubu has sympathised with world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, following the fatal road accident in which the boxer was involved on Monday along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
The accident, which occurred on the busy highway, claimed the lives of two persons, while Joshua sustained injuries and is currently receiving medical attention.
Police confirmed that Joshua, 36, sustained minor injuries while seated in the rear of the vehicle.
“The vehicle conveying Anthony Joshua, a Lexus SUV, was involved in the accident under circumstances that are currently being investigated,” said Ogun State Police spokesperson Oluseyi Babaseyi.
“He was seated in the rear of the vehicle, sustained minor injuries and [is] receiving medical attention.
Eyewitness Adeniyi Orojo noted that Joshua was travelling with three others when the crash occurred.
“Joshua was seated behind the driver with another person beside him. There was also a passenger sitting beside the driver, making four occupants in the Lexus that crashed. His security detail was in the vehicle behind them before the crash,” he said.
Orojo added that the passenger beside the driver and the person seated next to Joshua died instantly.
In a statement reacting to the incident, President Tinubu conveyed his condolences to Joshua and the families of the victims, describing the development as a tragic loss.
“I extend my deep sympathies to you following the tragic accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, which claimed two precious lives and caused you injuries,” the President said.
He added that the incident had cast a shadow over the season, noting the emotional burden it placed on the boxer and his family.
“This immense tragedy casts a deep shadow on this season. I sympathise with you and your family as you bear the emotional weight of this unfortunate incident,” Tinubu stated.
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The President also praised Joshua’s contributions to sports and his representation of Nigeria on the global stage.
“As a sportsman, you have always shown courage, discipline, and unwavering love for our country. These are qualities that have made you a source of national pride,” he said.
Calling for unity and support in difficult times, Tinubu prayed for strength and healing for the boxer.
“In moments like this, we must encourage one another as brothers and sisters with a shared destiny. I pray for strength, wisdom, and grace for you during this painful period. May God grant you a speedy recovery and repose to the souls of the departed,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Government has confirmed that two male foreign nationals died on the spot in the accident, while Joshua survived and was taken to hospital for treatment.
In a statement by the state government, it was disclosed that, “Their remains have since been deposited at the Livewell Morgue in Sagamu.”