Anthony Joshua has been discharged from hospital following a tragic road accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway that claimed the lives of two of his close friends, Lateef Ayodele and Cina Gami.
The British-Nigerian boxing champion was involved in the crash on Monday, which occurred when the Lexus Jeep conveying him collided with a stationary truck around 11 a.m. The impact led to the deaths of two passengers, while Joshua and others sustained injuries.
A joint statement released on Wednesday by the Lagos and Ogun state governments confirmed that Joshua was released from medical care late Tuesday afternoon after doctors declared him clinically fit. The statement, signed by Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy Gbenga Omotoso and Ogun State Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Kayode Akinmade, described the boxer as “heavy hearted and full of emotions over the loss of his two close friends,” but said he was advised to continue recuperating from home.
The two state governments also extended 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.”
It was further revealed that Joshua, accompanied by his mother, visited a Lagos funeral home on Tuesday to pay his final respects as arrangements were being made to repatriate the bodies of his late friends.
The statement also acknowledged the efforts of medical personnel who handled the emergency, stating, “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.”
Governors Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and members of the public for their support and concern since the incident.
Authorities say investigations into the crash are still ongoing, while appeals have been made for calm and cooperation as officials continue to manage the situation.