AJ Accident: Tragedy, Trauma, Thoughts

AJ Accident: Tragedy, Trauma, Thoughts

By M.B.O Owolowo



The December 29, 2025 accident involving Anthony Joshua (AJ), Latif "Latz" Ayodele, and Sina Ghami on Lagos-Ibadan expressway has had a profound effect on numerous people. 

Whilst Latif and Sina died at the scene of the accident, AJ emerged from the car wreckage alive and was taken to a hospital in Lagos. On December 31, 2025, AJ was discharged from the hospital in Lagos, and later returned to the UK in time for the burial of his mates - Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami on January 4, 2026.

The Janazah - special congregational prayer - for Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami took place at the Regent's Park Mosque (London Central Mosque). Driving towards the venue, we encountered traffic right from Wellington Road before being able to join Park Road, where the Mosque is situated. Seeing swathes of people heading towards the venue was enthralling. People of various social backgrounds - genders, complexions, ethnicities, religions, travelled from far and near to honour the departed.

From the Regent's Park Mosque, we drove to Hendon Cemetery and Crematorium. Along with AJ, we witnessed two vibrant human beings buried. The entire interment episode was emotional for all present and exceptionally lachrymose for some family members of the deceased. It was a poignant reminder about life's ephemerality.

From Miami to Makun - highest to lowest! One moment, you are on top of the world, and then you are burying your comrades. As Frank Sinatra sang, " That's life... riding high in April, shot down in May". As long as you are still breathing, you can get back up on top. 

I was able to give AJ some personal words of advice and encouragement. The Yoruba say "Oju loro wa" which means "in the eyes you see the truth". In AJ, I saw a man who had seen an indelible meaning of life and death. The surreality of emerging from a car wreckage that took the lives of your two companions is a transformation that can only be experienced to fully apprehend its immensity. 

I have monitored AJ's career since before the London 2012 Olympics and saw his potential from inception. Those who paid attention watched AJ's development into the British two-time unified world heavyweight champion.

I would contend that following a waning spell - a protracted monotonous period - AJ was the catalyst for reviving a new wave of excitement and ignited a wider interest in the sport of boxing globally. AJ's dexterity set a new tone in pugilism, and he emerged the golden gloves of boxing, especially from a business viewpoint. 

Born in Watford and proud of his ancestry; Yoruba from Western Nigeria. During AJ's recent Netflix broadcast fight in Miami, Florida, the Nigeria flag was raised in the ring before the fight commenced. Apparently, the presence of the green-white-green flag of Nigeria made certain people apoplectic, toxic, and xenophobic.

AJ was British when he was part of the British Olympic team and won gold for boxing, and was British during his professional bouts, so he should be cut some slack and not be bashed or abashed about his dual heritage. 

Following the accident, there was some fixation about making Nigeria the subject of objurgation. As if 'Nigeria' was to blame. Also, there were unfounded stories about AJ being flown out of Nigeria to the UK because of the lack of emergency services. Actually, AJ was recuperating at a hospital in Lagos until he was discharged and returned to the UK for the burial of Latif and Sina. 

As usual, those who thrive on negativity fabulated the "Nigeria happened" drivel. Nigeria did not happen, an accident happened! Dangerous driving can lead to accidents in any part of the world. For example, data from the September 25, 2025 report published by the UK Department of Transport on those killed and seriously injured casualties (KSIs) from road accidents is at least 1600 fatalities. 

Essentially, it is simply inaccurate to label the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway as the 'deadliest' or 'most dangerous' in Nigeria! The road is not the issue, but a matter of dangerous driving. I have driven on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway countless times over the years, and my most recent travel on the road was to bury my dear mother in October 2025. 

Indeed, this particular accident garnered global attention because of the casualties involved, but the crass weaponisation of this particular tragedy should not descend into the denigration of an entire country, Nigeria.

Nonetheless, those in charge of running the affairs of Nigeria at federal, state, and local government levels can see this tragic event as an opportunity to improve the system holistically. Improvement of critical infrastructure and a limit on bureaucratic boondoggles. Stricter law enforcement policies and implementation, particularly on driver evaluation, speed restrictions, and road violations. A general advancement in the administration of emergency services. 

One can only wish those directly impacted by death the very best as they face the aftermath and new reality. May God grant the bereaved the fortitude to deal with the loss and grant the departed peace.

© M.B.O

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