Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has personally telephoned Anthony Joshua following Monday’s fatal car crash, offering condolences for the two men killed, well wishes for the boxer’s recovery, and prayers for his family.
In a statement posted on social media, President Tinubu revealed the identities of the victims for the first time as Kevin Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, whom he described as Joshua’s close associates. Both men died when the vehicle carrying Joshua collided with a stationary lorry on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway in Ogun State.
The president explained that his call served multiple purposes. “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,” Tinubu wrote. “I wished him a full and speedy recovery, and prayed with him.”
Joshua assured the president during their conversation that he is receiving proper medical attention. “AJ assured me he is receiving the best possible care,” Tinubu said.
The president also revealed he had spoken with Joshua’s mother and offered prayers for her family. “I also spoke with his mother and prayed for her. She was deeply appreciative of the call,” he said.
The statement confirms that Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun visited Joshua in hospital following the crash. “Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was at the hospital with them, assured me he will do everything possible to ensure AJ receives the best attention,” Tinubu added.
The president concluded his message by asking God to “strengthen the families and grant repose to the souls of the departed.”
The high-level government response underscores Joshua’s significance to Nigeria, where he maintains strong family ties despite being raised in Britain. The 35-year-old former two-time heavyweight champion has Nigerian heritage through his parents and attended boarding school in Ikenne, Ogun State, as a child.
Monday’s crash occurred around 11:00 local time when the Lexus SUV carrying Joshua and three others collided with a parked lorry in Makun. Ogun State Police Commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo said a burst tyre caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
Joshua had been visiting Nigeria on holiday following his sixth-round knockout victory over Jake Paul in Miami on 19 December. Medical staff at a Lagos hospital have confirmed the boxer sustained minor injuries and is in a stable condition, requiring no emergency interventions.
The bodies of Ayodele and Ghami have been taken to Livewell Hospital Morgue in Sagamu for formal identification and post-mortem examinations. The Ogun State Police Command has launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps reported that it arrived at the scene within three minutes of being notified. Of the five adult males involved in the collision, two died, one sustained injuries requiring hospital treatment, whilst two others escaped without harm.
The timing of the accident raises questions about Joshua’s immediate boxing plans. Reports had suggested a possible February return to the ring, though this now appears uncertain given the crash and ongoing investigation.
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn said earlier on Monday that the fighter “appears OK” from images he had seen, adding that the team was awaiting more information about what had happened.
