By Frank Ulom
ABUJA (CONVERSEER) – President Bola Tinubu has extended his condolences to Anthony Joshua, the Nigerian-British boxing champion, who survived a fatal motor accident that claimed the lives of two of his close associates in Ogun State on Monday, 29 December 2025.
The accident occurred at Makun, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, near the Danco Filling Station before the Sagamu Interchange. The Lexus SUV conveying Joshua, with registration number KRD 850 HN, collided with a stationary truck.
According to Afolabi Odunsi, Public Education Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ogun State, five people were involved in the crash. One person was injured, two escaped unhurt, while two were confirmed dead. He added that Joshua sustained injuries and was taken to an undisclosed hospital by security officers.
He attributed the crash to excessive speeding and wrongful overtaking, stating that the driver overtook from the right-hand side before ramming into the parked vehicle. The bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the Livewell Hospital Morgue, Sagamu, according to the Ogun Police Command spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi.
President Tinubu, currently abroad, spoke with Joshua via phone to commiserate with him over the tragedy and offered prayers for his recovery. He also contacted Joshua’s mother, who expressed appreciation for the gesture, and Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was present at the hospital. The Ogun governor reportedly assured Tinubu that the state would ensure Joshua receives adequate medical attention.
“I spoke with AJ on the phone to personally convey my condolences over the death of his two associates. I wished him well and prayed for him. He assured me that he is receiving the best care in the hospital,” Tinubu said through a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.
Earlier on X (formerly Twitter), Tinubu described Joshua as a symbol of courage, discipline, and national pride, praying for his healing and comfort for families of the deceased.
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Former Vice-President and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has also expressed sympathy with Joshua in a statement on his verified X handle. He prayed for Joshua’s swift recovery and offered condolences to the bereaved families.
“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,” he wrote.
Atiku also condoled with the families of the deceased.
“My heartfelt condolences go to the families and loved ones of the two individuals who tragically lost their lives in the accident. May their souls rest in peace, and may their families find comfort and strength in this time of sorrow,” he added.
Joshua, a two-time world heavyweight champion, remains hospitalised as authorities continue investigations into the crash.
