British-Nigerian boxing star Anthony Joshua has been discharged from the hospital following injuries he sustained in a fatal road accident in Nigeria.
The accident claimed the lives of two of his close friends, Lateef Ayodele and Cina Gami.
Joshua was released from medical care on Tuesday afternoon, two days after the crash, according to a joint statement issued on Wednesday by the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, and the Ogun State Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade.
In the statement, the Lagos and Ogun state governments expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and heartbreaking.
“The governments of Lagos and Ogun states once again commiserate with the families of the two young men, Lateef Ayodele and Cina Gami, who tragically and unfortunately lost their lives in the road accident involving Anthony Joshua. We pray that the Almighty grants the repose of their souls and gives their families and loved ones the fortitude to bear this very sad and painful loss,” the statement read.
The governments confirmed that Joshua, although emotionally devastated by the loss of his friends, was medically cleared to leave the hospital and continue his recovery at home. He was described as “heavy-hearted and full of emotions” over the incident but “clinically fit to recuperate outside the hospital environment.”
The statement further disclosed that Joshua and his mother paid a visit to a funeral home in Lagos on the same day of his discharge to pay their last respects to the deceased.
The bodies of Ayodele and Gami were reportedly being prepared for repatriation later that evening.
Commending the medical response to the incident, the Lagos and Ogun governments praised the doctors and medical personnel at Lagoon Hospital, Ikoyi, where Joshua and other injured victims received treatment.
“The team of doctors and medical personnel who attended to Anthony Joshua and others who sustained injuries demonstrated a high level of professionalism and quality medical care, which is truly commendable,” the statement added.
Governors Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State also expressed appreciation to members of the public and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their support, prayers, and concern following the tragic accident.
The circumstances surrounding the crash are still under investigation, while tributes continue to pour in for the deceased friends of the former heavyweight world champion.
