British-Nigerian boxing champion Anthony Joshua has been discharged from hospital following a road accident along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway on Monday , which claimed the lives of his two close friends, Lateef Ayodele and Cina Gami.
In a Wednesday statement co-signed by Gbenga Omotoso, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Lagos State, and Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Ogun State, the governments of Lagos and Ogun states expressed their condolences to the families of the deceased.
“The governments of Lagos and Ogun states once again commiserate with the families of the two young men, Lateef Ayodele and Cina Gami, who tragically and unfortunately lost their lives in the road accident involving Anthony Joshua. We pray The Almighty grant the repose of their souls whilst granting their families and loved ones the fortitude to bear this very sad and painful loss,” the statement read.
The statement confirmed that Joshua was discharged from hospital late on Tuesday afternoon, describing him as “heavy hearted and full of emotions over the loss of his two close friends,” but “deemed clinically fit to recuperate from home.”
It further noted that Joshua and his mother visited a funeral home in Lagos on the same day to pay their final respects to his deceased friends, who were being prepared for repatriation later in the evening.
The statement also expressed gratitude to medical personnel who attended to the boxer and other injured parties:
“The team of doctors and medical personnel at Lagoon Hospital, Ikoyi, who attended to Anthony and those that sustained injuries, displayed quality care and professionalism that is truly commendable,” it said.
Governors Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State also thanked the public and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their support during the period.
It was reported that the accident occurred at about 11 a.m. on Monday, when the Lexus Jeep conveying Joshua, with registration number KRD 850 HN, collided with a stationary truck along the busy expressway. The crash resulted in the deaths of two passengers and injuries to others, including the boxing champion.
The authorities are continuing investigations into the incident, while public appeals have been made for patience and cooperation as officials manage the aftermath.
