The Ogun State Government and notable political figure Otunba Segun Showunmi have strongly refuted allegations circulating on social media that the state lacks functional ambulances and that Governor Dapo Abiodun was negligent following the road accident involving world boxing champion, Anthony Joshua.
The rebuttal follows a viral video by a blogger identified as Adetoun, who alleged that the state had no ambulances to respond to the emergency and claimed Governor Abiodun was partying in Ghana while the boxing star was in critical condition.
In a statement, Kayode Akinmade, an aide to the Ogun State Governor, described the allegations as “reckless, defamatory, and inciting.”
Akinmade clarified that contrary to the blogger’s claims, Governor Abiodun was physically present to coordinate the emergency response.
“Governor Abiodun was with Anthony Joshua within minutes of the accident, personally coordinating the emergency response,” Akinmade stated. “Through the Governor, President Bola Tinubu received firsthand updates and spoke directly with Joshua. The Governor spent hours at Joshua’s hospital bedside, a fact easily confirmed through photographs and eyewitness accounts.”
He dismissed the claim that the Governor was in Ghana as a malicious fabrication, noting that Joshua is not only the state’s Sports Ambassador but also a kinsman whom the Governor regards as a son.
Addressing the specific allegation regarding a lack of emergency transport, Akinmade provided a breakdown of the state’s emergency medical assets.
He noted that the state operates 26 Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances and has recently bolstered its rural response with 90 tricycle ambulances.
“These services have saved lives repeatedly,” Akinmade said, listing the Ogun State Ambulance Service, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), and the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, as key providers offering 24-hour coverage.
He further highlighted the state’s recent recognition in the health sector, pointing out that Ogun emerged as the runner-up at the 3rd Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge Award in Abuja on December 12, 2025, winning a $400,000 cash prize.
“The question therefore arises: If Ogun State truly has ‘no ambulance,’ how did it earn national recognition and secure such a substantial prize?” Akinmade queried.
He called on security agencies to require the blogger to substantiate her claims or face legal consequences.
Corroborating the government’s position, Otunba Segun Showunmi, in a separate statement warned against using the unfortunate accident to distort facts or insult the collective sensibility of the people.
Showunmi, a prominent voice in the state, insisted that discussions on public health must be grounded in truth.
“Ogun State does have ambulances. This is not conjecture; I have personally seen them displayed and deployed,” Showunmi affirmed.
“It is therefore important that discussions around emergency health response in the state are grounded in verifiable facts, not assumptions or sensational claims.”
Showunmi also vouched for the competence of the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker.
“I know Dr. Tomi Coker very well. She is a consummate professional and not the type to be negligent in matters of public health. Her record reflects competence, diligence, and a clear commitment to service,” he noted.
While acknowledging that constructive criticism is vital in a democracy, Showunmi urged the public to avoid “emotion-driven narratives,” stating that the administration has earned legitimate accolades in the primary healthcare sector.
“May the lost souls rest in peace, and may our son, Anthony Joshua, recover fully and regain complete health soon,” Showunmi added.