Mr Adedamola Joshua, an uncle to the ex-World Heavy weight champion, Anthony Joshua has said that the news of the crash involving the legendary boxer on Monday along Lagos-Ibadan expressway came to the family as a rude shock.
Joshua stated this on Tuesday while speaking to journalists at the Sagamu family house at Ijokun.
He explained that the family members did not get to hear the news on time until several people who have gotten wind of the crash began to bombard some family members with calls, apparently to establish the truth and confirm the accident.
He said that the news of the boxer getting involved in such a fatal accident really shook the entire Sagamu community as no one could have thought that such a terrible thing could befall their proud son who could come to Nigeria three or four times in a year.
He explained that though the extended family members have not been able to see Joshua as he is being treated in an undisclosed medical facility in Lagos but they are already in touch with the parents of the boxer who are equally in Nigeria and they have been assured that he was fine.
Mr Joshua while expressing gratitude to God for sparing their son and the driver of vehicle, however expressed his sadness over the loss of two close friends and trainers of the boxer praying that the Almighty God will give the families and associates of the deceased the fortitude to bear the painful loss.
He explained that “Sincerely, the news that our son, Anthony Joshua was involved in a fatal crash came to us as a rude shock. We did not get to hear of this terrible news on time until we were receiving calls left and right from the people
“We did not know on time that he was involved in an accident, it was really a rude shock to the family because this is not the first time he would be coming to see his family in Sagamu.
“Anthony Joshua can even come home up to three, four times in a year. We felt so bad because this is the end of the year period which is usually use to rejoice and bond with one another, it is really quite unfortunate.
“The sad news actually jolted Sagamu community and up till now everyone is still in shock. People have kept calling the family members to sympathise with us and get updates
“Since the incident happened, we have been rallying round to see if it is possible to get to see our son but that has been impossible because of his status, we don’t know the hospital he was taking to and we can understand that such is being done to protect him being a world figure.
“However, we have been in touch with his father and mother who are also in Nigeria and they have assured us that Joshua is fine
“We are also thinking that it will be fine if they allow even if it just three of the family members to see him, we are all eager to see him but we will still respect the wish of the authority to keep him safe for now”
Mr Joshua said that the family is however sad that two close friends of the legendary boxer did not make it alive from the crash.
The boxer’s uncle added that “We are really sad that two people who were very close to Joshua died in this accident. Our hearts are with the families and associates of these young men. We pray that the Lord God almighty will comfort everyone that is affected by this unfortunate incident”.
Meanwhile the 2023 gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state Oladipupo Adebutu, has expressed deep sympathy with Joshua over the tragic crash
In a statement by his media aide, Afolabi Orekoya, Adebutu described the incident as a painful and sobering tragedy that has cast a shadow over the season, while extending heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
He noted that Anthony Joshua has remained a symbol of courage, discipline, resilience, and national pride, whose achievements continue to inspire millions of young Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.
“This is a deeply distressing moment. My thoughts and prayers are with Anthony Joshua, the bereaved families, and all those affected by this unfortunate incident. In moments like this, we must stand together as one people, bound by compassion and a shared destiny,” Adebutu said.
While praying for Joshua’s speedy recovery, Adebutu also called for strength and comfort for the families mourning the loss of their loved ones, urging Nigerians to keep them in their prayers.
“May Almighty God grant eternal rest to the souls of the departed, comfort the bereaved, and grant Anthony Joshua healing, strength, and grace during this difficult period,” he concluded.
Similarly, Sagamu Youth Association in a statement on Tuesday also expressed its profound sadness over the crash involving the boxer and which also claimed two precious souls.
The association in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Olakunle Popoola commiserated with Joshua over the terrible loss of his two friends and pray that the Lord God almighty would comfort the families and associates of the deceased.
The youth also wished Joshua quick recovery from the accident
The association said that “Our hearts go out to the families, friends, and loved ones of the deceased during this moment of immeasurable grief.
“On behalf of the Sagamu Youth Association and the entire youth population of Sagamu, we extend our sincere condolences and pray that the Almighty grants the departed eternal rest while giving their families the fortitude to bear this painful loss.
“We also wish Anthony Joshua a quick and complete recovery. We pray that he is strengthened physically and emotionally as he recovers from this traumatic experience.
“We also commend the Ogun State Government and the Lagos State Government for their swift and proactive response, as well as the rapid intervention of relevant emergency agencies”.
Joshua, was on Monday at around 11am involved in a road crash that claimed two other occupants of the ill-fated car.
It was also gathered that the vehicle conveying the renowned boxer, a Lexus Jeep with registration number KRD 850 HN, collided with a stationary truck
The two foreign nationals who died in the accident have also been identified as Ayodele Kelvin Olu (36), a Nigerian/British citizen, and Gami Sina (36), a British citizen.
Joshua’s promoter, Matchroom Boxing, in a statement on Monday described the two victims as close friends and team members of the renowned boxer
