- As accident claims two lives
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi and former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun have all sympathised with former World Heavyweight champion, British-born Nigerian boxer, Anthony Joshua, who was involved in an auto accident that claimed two lives in Ogun State on Monday, December 29, 2025.
Reacting to the crash in a statement he personally signed to the boxer, the President said: “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.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
Hours after his condolence message, the President wrote on his media handle: “I have spoken with AJ to personally convey my condolences over the passing of his two close associates in the recent accident. I wished him a full and speedy recovery and prayed with him.
“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.”
In his reaction, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar expressed deep sadness over the incident and prayed for Joshua’s swift recovery.
Atiku, who recently dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), also extended condolences to the families of the deceased saying: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the road accident involving @anthonyjoshua today in Makun, Ogun State. I stand in full solidarity with him during this difficult moment and pray for his swift and complete recovery.
“Anthony remains a symbol of strength and resilience, and I have no doubt he will come through this with grace.”
Similarly, the former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, also expressed sorrow over the ghastly car crash, saying: “It is particularly worrisome that this incident occurred while he was in Nigeria. It is with deep concern that I received the news of the road accident involving former heavyweight boxing champion, Mr Anthony Joshua, in Makun, Ogun State. May God grant the departed eternal rest.”
On his part, former Governor Amosun, in a statement signed by his media aide, Lanre Akinwale, described the incident as saddening, painful, and most unfortunate.
He said, “While we mourn this grievous loss, we give thanks to the Almighty God for sparing your life. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult moment.
“I wish you a speedy and full recovery, and I pray for the peaceful repose of the departed souls. May the good Lord grant comfort to their families and loved ones, and give them the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
Officials and eyewitnesses had confirmed reports that Joshua was involved in a fatal road traffic accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway on Monday morning, leaving two people dead and others injured.
The accident occurred at about 11:00 a.m. along the Makun axis near the Sagamu Interchange — one of the busiest stretches of Nigeria’s key highway connecting Lagos and Ibadan.
Incident reports by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and eyewitnesses indicated that Joshua was travelling as a passenger in a Lexus SUV (registration KRD 850 HN) when the vehicle lost control while attempting to overtake another vehicle at high speed and collided with a stationary truck parked by the roadside.
According to preliminary reports, the said SUV was carrying five adult males, including Joshua and two occupants, who died on the spot, had their bodies conveyed to Livewell Hospital Morgue in Sagamu.
It was also reported that, Joshua, who sustained minor injuries, though conscious after the crash was immediately rushed to a hospital by his security team.
