Sh*ck And Grief Grip Family” – Joshua’s Uncle Reacts To Fatal Accident, Missing Phone

Anthony Joshua’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, has opened up about the deep shock and trauma the family is experiencing following the tragic road accident that claimed the lives of two of the boxer’s close friends.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking to PUNCH, Adedamola revealed that the family first learned of the incident not through social media but via a phone call several hours later.

“Well, some of us don’t really use social media, so we didn’t hear about it immediately,” he said.

“Around 1 pm, a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, who is a member of my church, called to inform me about the accident. It was like I had never heard of such a thing before. How could Anthony Joshua be involved in an accident? It felt impossible, but sadly, it happened.”

He described the news as devastating, especially since Joshua had just arrived in Nigeria hours earlier and was heading to Sagamu to spend time with family.

“It has really left us in shock. This isn’t the first or second time he has come home. So why now? He arrived only six hours earlier, eager to be with his family in Sagamu, and then this tragedy happened,” he said.

Adedamola noted that Joshua had deliberately chosen family time over high-profile engagements.

“He could have spent time with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu or other prominent figures, but he wanted to be with family in Sagamu. It’s really painful that such an incident occurred,” he said.

He explained that Joshua’s visits to Nigeria during the festive season were routine and not tied to any special event, as the family’s annual gatherings had ended after the passing of a senior family member.

Adedamola also criticised Nigeria’s emergency response system, describing it as inadequate.

“I want to condemn the government’s lackadaisical approach to emergencies. Seeing Joshua crossing the median after the accident, when he should have been on a stretcher, was distressing,” he said.

He added that the response would have been much faster abroad.

“If this had happened outside Nigeria, a helicopter would have arrived within five minutes for evacuation,” he said.

Adedamola called for ambulances to be stationed along accident-prone highways, rather than focusing solely on document checks.

“It’s not enough for officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps to only check vehicle documents. There should be ambulances stationed along these roads,” he said.

He also condemned the behavior of bystanders who filmed the scene instead of assisting victims, alleging that Anthony Joshua’s phone was stolen during the chaos. He called for more public awareness on emergency response and accessible toll-free numbers.

Despite these criticisms, Adedamola praised government efforts following the accident.

“The government has sincerely done its best,” he said, commending Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Lagos Governor Sanwo-Olu for ensuring Joshua received quality medical care. He also revealed that President Bola Tinubu personally reached out to Joshua and his parents.

“The President has spoken to him and his parents and assured them of the government’s support at all times,” he said.

Regarding the driver involved in the crash, Adedamola said he had no personal knowledge of him but questioned reports of reckless driving.

“For a driver to be speeding and overtaking at the same time leaves much to be desired,” he said, suggesting that national icons like Joshua should have professional drivers and security details whenever they visit the country.

Reflecting on the emotional toll of the tragedy, he said the family’s festive mood was completely overshadowed by grief.

“How can you celebrate when your son is in the hospital and two of his friends are being brought back in body bags?” he asked.

While relieved that Joshua has been discharged from the hospital, Adedamola said the family remains traumatised.

“We thank God he was discharged, but we keep thinking about how different it would have been if his two friends had survived,” he said.

He concluded by extending condolences to the families of the deceased.

“On behalf of the Joshuas at home and abroad, we offer our deepest condolences to the families and associates of our beloved son’s friends whose lives were tragically cut short. We pray that their souls rest in peace,” he said.