By Abiodun Lawal | Abeokuta, Dec. 29, 2025
The Ogun State Government has issued a formal statement expressing profound condolences to the families, friends, and associates of the victims of a tragic road accident involving world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua. The statement, released by Mr. Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Information and Strategy, describes the incident as “deeply unfortunate and painful.”
The accident occurred in the early hours of Monday on the notoriously busy Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, specifically within the Makun axis of Ogun State. Preliminary reports from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) indicate that the collision, which happened around midnight, was caused by speeding and wrongful overtaking by the driver of the vehicle carrying Joshua, leading it to ram into a stationary vehicle.
Expanded Context: The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway
This highway is one of Nigeria’s most critical and congested transport corridors, linking the nation’s economic hub (Lagos) to other major regions. It has a long history of fatal accidents, often attributed to factors like speeding, poor road conditions in certain sections, and heavy traffic volumes. The mention of the “festive season” in the government’s warning is particularly salient, as holiday travel significantly increases vehicular density and, consequently, accident risks on this route.
Casualties and Response
The tragic outcome claimed the lives of two individuals, reported to be male foreign nationals, who died on the spot. Their remains have been deposited at a morgue in Sagamu. [[PEAI_MEDIA_X]] Anthony Joshua and the driver of the vehicle were promptly rescued by security personnel attached to the boxer’s convoy. They were transported to a hospital and are currently receiving medical attention for their injuries. The swift response by the security team likely prevented further tragedy.
In its statement, the government extended its prayers: “Our hearts go out to the bereaved families… As we mourn collectively, we pray for the repose of the souls of the departed and for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
A Call for Enhanced Road Safety
Moving beyond condolences, the Ogun State government used this high-profile incident to issue a critical public safety advisory. Mr. Akinmade urged all motorists to “exercise utmost caution and adhere strictly to traffic regulations,” emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance during the festive period. Furthermore, he enjoined road safety officers and other security agencies to “intensify surveillance and enforcement efforts across the state to ensure the safety of lives and property.”
This call to action underscores a recurring challenge in Nigerian road safety management: the gap between regulation and consistent enforcement. The government’s statement implicitly highlights the need for sustained, visible law enforcement and public education campaigns to modify driver behavior, rather than reactive measures following tragedies.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) confirms that the FRSC Public Education Officer in Ogun, Mr. Afolabi Odunsi, had earlier verified the details of the incident. The convergence of reports from the state government and the federal road safety agency provides a coherent, official account of this devastating event.
Edited by Wale Sadeeq | Source: NAN
