‘Nigeria does not defend itself’ — Akeredolu’s wife mourns Anthony Joshua’s friends
By Boye Oyeyemi –
Former Ondo State First Lady, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has reacted emotionally to the death of two friends of boxing champion Anthony Joshua, saying, “Nigeria does not defend itself.”
Western Post had reported that the boxer was involved in a ghastly accident on the busy Lagos–Ibadan expressway. The crash killed two of Joshua’s friends, Ayodele Kelvin Olu (36), a Nigerian-British citizen, and Gami Sina (36), a British citizen, and injured others.
In a post shared on her Facebook page, Anyanwu-Akeredolu said the tragedy had stripped Nigeria of arguments and defences, leaving only grief and quiet reflection.
“Nigeria does not argue politics. Nigeria does not defend itself. Nigeria stands still… and bows,” she wrote.
She said Joshua brought his friends into a country they trusted, only to be confronted with a loss no amount of strength or fame could undo, noting that the boxer now stands not as a champion but as a grieving man.
According to her, the victims arrived in Nigeria with hope and laughter, unprepared for death, before fate abruptly turned a journey into mourning and a road into a grave.
She added that the pain of escorting loved ones home in coffins is something nobody prepares for, stressing that grief knows no borders, accents, or status.
Anyanwu-Akeredolu concluded by praying for the departed souls and strength for those left behind, saying some losses do not heal but instead remind humanity of how fragile life truly is.
💥 Today at the Janazah (Funeral Prayer) for Anthony Joshua’s close friends, Sina Ghami and Abdul Latif Kevin Ayodele, held at the London Central Mosque, following their tragic passing in a fatal road crash in Nigeria on Monday, December 29, 2025 — an incident from which Joshua narrowly escaped with minor injuries.
Family members, friends, and Muslim faithful were seen walking solemnly into the mosque premises, hearts heavy with grief. 💔
A Message of Global Solidarity and Compassion
The recent tragedy involving our gentleman, Anthony Joshua, has transcended personal loss and national boundaries. The untimely deaths of Sina Ghami and Abdul Latif Kevin Ayodele are not events that affect one individual, one profession, or one country alone. Rather, they stand as a solemn reminder that humanity is deeply interconnected — when pain touches one life, it echoes across the world.
The expression of empathy shown by leaders at the highest level — including the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside the Lagos State Government under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Ogun State Government led by Governor Dapo Abiodun — reflects a deeper truth: compassion knows no borders, titles, or institutions. It is a universal language that binds us all.
This moment calls on the global community to recognize that we are living in a delicate time — one in which the entire world is caught in a shared web of challenges, trials, and uncertainties. What happens to one affects us all. This is not merely an individual matter, nor the burden of a single nation. It is a global calamity that reminds us of our collective vulnerability and our shared responsibility to care for one another.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
“Whoever saves one life, it is as if he has saved all of mankind; and whoever loses a life, it is as if all of mankind has been lost.”
(Qur’an 5:32)
And He reassures the grieving:
“Indeed, Allah is with those who are patient.”
(Qur’an 2:153)
At this critical point in time, we must lean into empathy, unity, and faith. By God’s grace, we shall overcome. History has shown us that humanity is resilient, and even in the darkest moments, light finds its way through compassion, understanding, and hope.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“The believers, in their mutual love, mercy, and compassion, are like one body. When one part suffers, the whole body responds with pain and sleeplessness.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari & Muslim)
Words to Soften Hearts and Heal Wounds
“In times of pain, humanity must speak louder than fear, and compassion louder than sorrow.”
“A wound to one soul is a call for kindness from all.”
“We are strongest not when we stand alone, but when we stand together.”
“Global challenges require global hearts.”
“Allah is close to the brokenhearted and answers those who call upon Him.” (Qur’an 2:186)
A Prayer for the Departed and for Humanity
O Allah, forgive Sina Ghami and Abdul Latif Kevin Ayodele. Envelop them in Your mercy, expand their graves with light, and grant them Jannatul-Firdaus. Grant patience and strength to their families, loved ones, and all who mourn them. Heal the wounded, protect the living, and unite humanity in compassion and peace. Do not burden us beyond what we can bear, and replace our sorrow with hope. Ameen.
May this moment awaken the world to greater love, deeper empathy, and a renewed commitment to one another. Our thoughts, prayers, and solidarity remain with all those directly and indirectly affected.
Together, we shall heal. Together, we shall rise. 🤍