Adedamola Joshua, uncle of former world boxing champion Anthony Joshua, spoke with BANKOLE TAIWO about the tragic accident that killed two of the boxer’s friends, the family’s anguish following the incident, and concerning behavior at the crash site.
How did you learn about the accident involving Anthony Joshua and his two friends?
Many of us aren’t active on social media, so we didn’t hear about it immediately. Around 1 pm, a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police from my church called to tell me. I couldn’t believe it at first—the idea of Anthony Joshua being in an accident seemed impossible. But it happened, and it’s truly unfortunate.
How is the family handling this tragedy?
We’re in complete shock. This isn’t his first, second, or even third visit home, so we keep asking ourselves—why now? He had only been in the country for six hours before the accident occurred. He was eager to see his family in Sagamu, and then everything went so terribly wrong.
He could have chosen to spend time with Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu or other prominent Nigerians, but he specifically wanted to be with his family in Sagamu. It’s heartbreaking that this happened.
What brought him home?
He typically returns during the holiday season to celebrate with family. This has been his tradition for years—nothing out of the ordinary.
We heard about an annual Joshua family gathering. Is that still happening?
The annual gathering ended after the elder brother who organized it passed away. No one took over the coordination, so it naturally discontinued.
When Joshua visits, he spends time with Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, the Akarigbo (Oba Babatunde Ajayi), and others.
Are Anthony Joshua’s parents usually in Nigeria?
Yes, mostly. His father is particularly present since they manage businesses here. His mother typically stays with Anthony in the UK but also visits home regularly. They’re not far from Nigeria at all.
What are your thoughts on the emergency response after the accident?
I must criticize our government’s lackadaisical approach to emergencies. Seeing Joshua cross the median after the crash when he should have been on a stretcher was distressing.
During such trauma, stress must be minimized. He should have been placed in an ambulance immediately for treatment. Abroad, a helicopter would have arrived within five minutes to evacuate victims.
It’s disturbing that people are now seeing graphic images of the accident circulating on social media. The government should deploy more ambulances along that stretch of road, where accidents frequently occur. Having Federal Road Safety Corps officials checking vehicle documents isn’t enough—we need ambulances stationed along the route.
What do you think about people filming the accident instead of helping?
Some Nigerians behave terribly at crash sites. Instead of helping, they pull out phones to record videos or even steal from victims. This is unacceptable.
We heard that Anthony Joshua’s phone was stolen during the accident. Such behavior must be discouraged. Police and emergency responders should reach accident scenes quickly and secure the area.
We also need widespread public education—at motor parks and throughout the country—about our national duty to immediately call emergency hotlines when we encounter accidents, fires, or other disasters.
Unfortunately, many Nigerians don’t even know which numbers to call during emergencies, yet anyone can face such situations at any time.
How do you assess the government’s response to this incident?
The government has genuinely done its best. Governors Dapo Abiodun and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Ogun and Lagos states have ensured the boxer received excellent medical care.
President Bola Tinubu has also reached out to our son, spoken with him and his parents, and assured them of government support. We’re truly grateful for this tremendous support.
I’d suggest that the government consider providing security escorts and professional drivers for prominent figures like Anthony Joshua whenever they’re in the country.
Do you know the driver involved?
I don’t know him personally, but if reports are true that the driver was speeding while attempting to overtake, that raises serious concerns about his judgment.
Has there always been a regular driver for the boxer when he’s home, or was this driver newly hired?
I really don’t know. Not everyone is aware when he’s coming home until after he arrives in Nigeria. I don’t have information about his driving arrangements.
However, I strongly hope the government will prevent future tragedies by providing expert drivers to help people of Joshua’s stature travel safely in Nigeria.
It’s also crucial that we educate high-profile celebrities about having reliable people around them when they visit, especially those driving them. They must prioritize safety and seek help when necessary.
How has this tragedy affected the family’s holiday celebrations?
It has completely overshadowed our celebrations. How can you celebrate when your son is hospitalized and two of his friends who came to vacation with him are returning home in body bags? This incident has shaken the entire Joshua family.
We’re a family accustomed to traveling worldwide—we have Joshuas in the US, Canada, the UK, and elsewhere. My own two children live in Italy. We’ve never experienced this kind of tragedy before; it’s overwhelming. It’s a tremendous shock. Since our patriarch, Chief Adebambo Joshua (Anthony Joshua’s great-grandfather), died in 1964, we’ve never been this devastated.
How do you feel now that Anthony Joshua has been discharged from the hospital?
We breathed a sigh of relief hearing he was discharged—we thank God. But we can’t help thinking how wonderful it would have been if his two friends had also survived.
Our joy would have been immeasurable. That loss remains deeply traumatic for our family.
Do you think this accident might negatively impact Joshua’s boxing career?
It’s certainly possible. Some are speculating he’s considering retirement from the sport. While these are just rumors, we pray he’ll continue to grow stronger and emerge from this difficult time even more resilient than before.
Will this incident discourage the boxer from returning home?
It very well might, because two people reportedly close to him—his personal friends and trainers—died instantly, just six hours after arriving in the country. That’s devastating.
We sincerely pray to Almighty God to give him the courage to overcome this difficult period.
Let me also use this opportunity, on behalf of the Joshua family at home and abroad, to express our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of our son’s friends whose lives ended so abruptly in this accident.
We pray that the souls of the departed rest in peace and that Almighty God grants everyone touched by this tragedy the strength to bear this irreparable loss.
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