The Deputy Head of Mission at 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.
The visit was confirmed in a statement issued on Monday by Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun. According to the statement, Field met with Joshua during the hospital visit and held discussions with Governor Abiodun and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as British officials continue to closely monitor developments surrounding the incident.
“The British High Commission was formally notified of the accident. Officials of the Mission are monitoring the situation and remain in contact with the hospital and the Ogun State Government,” the statement said.
“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 SUV conveying Anthony Joshua and three other passengers. The crash claimed the lives of two occupants, identified as Ayodele Kelvin Olu, a 36-year-old Nigerian-British citizen, and Gami Sina, a 36-year-old British citizen.
In the aftermath of the incident, Governor Dapo Abiodun visited the Lagos hospital where Joshua was receiving treatment and was later joined by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Both governors reportedly remained at the facility for several hours to personally monitor the boxer’s condition and ensure he received optimal medical care.
“As soon as I was informed, I headed straight to the hospital and was later joined by the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. We both took charge of the situation, oversaw Anthony Joshua’s care, and remained at the hospital for over seven hours,” Governor Abiodun said.
Other senior officials who paid visits to 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 reassured the public that Joshua is in stable condition and receiving appropriate medical attention, expressing confidence in the professionalism of 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 Ahmed Tinubu was also briefed on the incident. According to the state government, the President held separate telephone conversations with Anthony Joshua, his mother, and Governor Abiodun, during which he conveyed his heartfelt sympathies and condolences.
Quoting the President, Governor 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 support one another as brothers and sisters with a shared destiny.”
Meanwhile, authorities have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The Ogun State Government assured the public that the findings will be made known once the probe is concluded and that updates on Joshua’s condition will continue to be provided as necessary.
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