President Bola Tinubu has spoken by telephone with heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua and his mother following the fatal road accident along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State, which left the former world champion injured and claimed the lives of two of his associates, Kevin Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami.

Joshua, a British-Nigerian two-time unified world heavyweight champion, was involved in the accident on Monday morning in the Makun area of Ogun State when the SUV conveying him and three others reportedly collided with a stationary truck on the heavily trafficked expressway.

In a statement issued on Monday by his spokesman, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu said he personally reached out to the boxer to convey his condolences and wish him a speedy recovery.

“I spoke with AJ on the phone to personally convey my condolences over the death of his two associates. I wished him well and prayed for him. He assured me that he is receiving the best care in the hospital,” the President was quoted as saying.

President Tinubu also confirmed that he spoke with Joshua’s mother.

“I also spoke with AJ’s mother and prayed for her. She was very appreciative of my call,” he said.

The President further disclosed that he contacted the Governor of Ogun State, Mr. Dapo Abiodun, who was at the hospital with Joshua and his entourage.

“The Governor assured me that he will do everything possible to ensure AJ receives the best possible attention,” the President added.

Earlier, President Tinubu, who is currently abroad, had expressed profound sympathy for Joshua in a message posted on X, describing the accident as deeply unfortunate.

“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,” the President wrote.

“In moments like this, we must encourage one another as brothers and sisters with a shared destiny.

“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.”

Meanwhile, the Ogun and Lagos state governments have confirmed that Joshua and another injured passenger are in stable condition following comprehensive medical assessments at a specialised medical facility in Lagos.

This was disclosed in a joint statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor of Ogun State on Information and Strategy, Mr. Kayode Akinlade, and the Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso.

According to the statement, the victims were immediately evacuated from the crash scene to Lagos, where doctors confirmed that neither patient required emergency medical intervention.

“Following comprehensive clinical assessments, doctors have confirmed that both patients are stable and do not require any emergency medical intervention at this time. A full medical team has been assembled and will continue to monitor them closely,” the statement said.

The governments extended their condolences to the families of the two associates who lost their lives in the accident and disclosed that Joshua remained conscious and had been in communication with his family.

Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash have commenced.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) attributed the accident to overspeeding and wrongful overtaking, citing preliminary findings which indicated that the Lexus SUV was travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit before losing control during an overtaking manoeuvre and crashing into the stationary truck.

“The primary causes of the crash, being excessive speed and wrongful overtaking, constitute serious traffic violations and remain among the leading causes of fatal road crashes on Nigerian highways,” the FRSC said.

The Corps Marshal, Mr. Shehu Mohammed, extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wished Joshua a speedy recovery.

Joshua and his associates were in Nigeria for the Yuletide celebrations following the boxer’s recent knockout victory over YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a Netflix-backed bout in Miami.

Hours before the accident, Joshua had shared a video on social media showing himself and Mr. Latif playing table tennis.