January 01, (THEWILL) — The Lagos and Ogun State governments have announced the discharge of boxing champion Anthony Joshua from the hospital following a tragic road accident that claimed the lives of two of his close associates on Monday, December 29, 2025.
In a joint statement issued on Thursday, January 1, 2026, the two state governments commiserated with the families of the deceased, identified as Lateef “Latz” Ayodele and Sina Ghami.
Ayodele was Joshua’s personal trainer, while Ghami served as his long-time strength and conditioning coach. Both men were key figures in “Team AJ” and had been with the former heavyweight champion for over a decade.
The statement, co-signed by the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, and the Ogun State Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, confirmed that Joshua was discharged from Lagoon Hospital, Ikoyi, late on Wednesday.
Doctors certified him clinically fit to continue his recuperation from home after he sustained minor injuries in the crash.
The accident occurred at approximately 11:00 a.m. on Monday along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, near the Danco filling station in Makun, Ogun State. The Lexus SUV carrying Joshua and his team reportedly collided with a stationary truck.
While the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) attributed the crash to excessive speed and wrongful overtaking, the Ogun State Police noted that a burst tyre may have caused the driver to lose control.
Before returning home, a heavy-hearted Joshua and his mother visited a funeral home in Lagos on Wednesday afternoon to pay their final respects to Ayodele and Ghami.
The remains of the two associates were being prepared for repatriation to the United Kingdom later that evening.
Governors Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State expressed deep appreciation for the overwhelming public concern and prayers.
They also extended their gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his fatherly support throughout the ordeal.
The governments further commended the medical personnel at Lagoon Hospital for the professional care provided to Joshua and other injured victims.
THEWILL reports that Joshua was in Nigeria for a holiday following his sixth-round knockout victory over Jake Paul in Miami on December 19.
While he is expected to face Tyson Fury in 2026, his immediate focus remains on recovery and mourning the loss of his close friends.
Seun Shotunde, THEWILL
