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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has condoled with British-Nigerian boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, following a ghastly crash on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway that claimed two lives and left Joshua injured.
In a post on his official X handle (formerly Twitter) @OfficialABAT, Tinubu expressed sympathy, describing the incident as an immense tragedy that casts a deep shadow on this season.
“AJ, I extend my deep sympathies to you following the tragic accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, which claimed two precious lives and caused you injuries,” the President wrote.
He praised Joshua’s character, adding: “I sympathise with you and your family as you bear the emotional weight of this unfortunate incident. As a sportsman, you have always shown courage, discipline, and unwavering love for our country. These are qualities that have made you a source of national pride.”
Tinubu called for national solidarity, stating: “In moments like this, we must encourage one another as brothers and sisters with a shared destiny.” The post concluded with prayers: “I pray for strength, wisdom, and grace for you during this painful period. May God grant you a speedy recovery and repose to the souls of the departed. ~ Bola Ahmed Tinubu”
Similarly, Ogun State Government expressed condolences to the families, friends and associates of Joshua.
This is contained in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Monday by Mr Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser to Gov. Dapo Abiodun on Information and Strategy.
According to the statement, the accident occurred on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, within the Makun axis of Ogun, claiming the lives of two persons.
Akinmade said Joshua and three other individuals were travelling from Lagos to Sagamu when the accident occurred. He stated that preliminary reports indicated that two male foreign nationals died on the spot, adding that their remains had been deposited at a morgue in Sagamu.
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The special adviser noted that Joshua and the driver of the vehicle were promptly rescued by security personnel attached to his convoy and taken to a hospital, where they were currently receiving medical attention.
“‘The Ogun State government describes the incident as deeply unfortunate and painful, particularly with the loss of precious lives, while others sustained varying degrees of injuries and are receiving medical care,” he said.
Akinmade urged motorists to exercise utmost caution and adhere strictly to traffic regulations, especially during the festive season when vehicular movements are usually heavy.
He also enjoined road safety officers and other security agencies to intensify surveillance and enforcement efforts across the state to ensure safety of lives and property.
“Our hearts go out to the bereaved families who lost their loved ones in this tragic incident, which the state considers a devastating loss.
” As we mourn collectively, we pray for the repose of the souls of the departed and for the speedy recovery of the injured.
“May Almighty God grant the families left behind the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” he said.
The Public Education Officer of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ogun, Mr Afolabi Odunsi, had earlier confirmed the incident in a statement in Abeokuta.
Odunsi explained that the incident occurred at noon.
He hinted that the accident was due to speeding and wrongful overtaking by the driver, thereby ramming into a stationary vehicle.
