REDEEMED CAMP, Nigeria — The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has described the survival of former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua in a recent fatal road crash as an example of “divine mercy.”
Speaking during the church’s monthly thanksgiving service on Sunday, January 4, 2026, Adeboye reflected on the role of God’s mercy in preservation and cited Joshua’s accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway as an illustration.
Quoting from Lamentations 3:22-23, Adeboye said, “It is by the mercies of the Lord that we are not consumed. We are alive because of the mercies of the Lord, not because of cleverness.”
He added, “I read in the newspapers yesterday that our boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, exchanged seats with someone before the accident. The people he exchanged seats with died. I don’t know why, but the mercy of God said someone would still be alive today.”
Crash Claimed Lives of Two Close Associates
Joshua was involved in a collision when the Lexus SUV in which he was travelling struck a stationary truck.
He sustained minor injuries, while two members of his team — strength and conditioning coach Sina Ghami and personal trainer Latif “Latz” Ayodele — died in the crash.
Authorities said the incident occurred after Joshua reportedly swapped seats shortly before the impact.
Boxer Posts Emotional Tribute
Joshua has since shared an emotional message on social media, paying tribute to Ghami and Ayodele, whom his camp described as close friends and “integral members” of his team.
My Brothers Keeper ❤️🪖❤️ pic.twitter.com/V604vAJtcw
— Anthony Joshua (@anthonyjoshua) January 4, 2026
Funeral prayers were held in London, with family members and associates in attendance.
Adeboye told congregants that the events around the crash underscored his message about mercy.
“We are alive because of the mercies of the Lord,” he said.
Investigations into the crash remain ongoing, with Nigerian authorities confirming charges against the driver of the SUV involved in the accident.
