GistReel
Political activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has renewed his criticism of Nigeria’s political leadership, linking it to the recent fatal road accident involving world boxing champion Anthony Joshua (AJ) and his friends in Ogun State.
Sowore said the incident, which reportedly claimed the lives of two of Joshua’s friends, highlighted deep-rooted governance failures and systemic neglect, particularly in road safety and emergency response.
In a statement shared on his official social media platforms, Sowore disclosed that he had previously cautioned Joshua against associating with what he described as “Nigeria’s rotten leadership,” adding that his position remains unchanged.
He stressed that the tragedy should not be trivialised simply because Joshua survived, noting that the loss of life deserved deeper national reflection.
“Yesterday or indeed today is not a time to gloat over the horrific accident that nearly claimed the life of international boxing icon Anthony Joshua,” Sowore wrote.
“Tragically, it did take the lives of his associates and possibly the driver involved. Their deaths must not be reduced to mere footnotes in the survival of a celebrity.”
According to him, while the accident attracted widespread attention due to Joshua’s global status, similar incidents occur daily across the country with little notice.
Sowore blamed weak institutions and poor governance for recurring fatalities on Nigerian roads.
“These kinds of fatal accidents are the daily, naked reality of a nation that has failed failed in small things and in big ones alike,” he stated.
“A country where road safety agencies and the police cannot provide even the most basic first aid.”
He further criticised the lack of emergency infrastructure, including functional ambulances and trained responders.
“Where there are no stretchers, no functional ambulances, and certainly no air ambulances,” Sowore added.
“Where people die not only from accidents, but from institutional neglect.”
The activist argued that the situation underscored the need for fundamental national change, driven by accountability and respect for human life.
“This is why we must work sincerely and relentlessly toward a revolution one rooted in dignity, competence, and the sanctity of human life,” he said.
Reflecting on his past interaction with the boxing star, Sowore said he had warned Joshua years ago about aligning with political leaders he believes have failed the country.
“I spoke frankly to Anthony Joshua years ago about the danger of aligning with Nigeria’s rotten leadership,” he wrote.
“It was an unpopular warning at the time, and many dismissed it. Time, however, has a way of validating uncomfortable truths.”
Sowore concluded by urging Joshua to distance himself from Nigerian political elites, arguing that influential figures should not legitimise what he described as dysfunction.
“I must still insist that Anthony Joshua stop genuflecting at the altars of those who have failed Nigeria so catastrophically,” he said.
“It is time for him to turn his back on them. Icons must not lend legitimacy to dysfunction.”
He also extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the accident.
“My sincere condolences go to the families of the deceased,” Sowore stated.
“Their lives mattered, and they deserved far better than this broken system.”