A major controversy has erupted online following comments made by popular Nollywood actress, Lizzy Anjorin, directed at the mother of British-Nigerian boxing champion, Anthony Joshua. The actress questioned the decision to allow the boxer to visit his hometown in Nigeria during the festive period, a trip that was later marred by a tragic accident.
Anjorin's Viral Critique of Safety Precautions
In a video clip that rapidly spread across social media platforms, Lizzy Anjorin expressed strong views on the safety arrangements for Anthony Joshua's visit. She specifically questioned why Joshua's mother permitted him to travel to his native village for the 2025 Christmas season instead of insisting he stay in more secured, upscale areas of Lagos like Lekki, Ikoyi, or Banana Island.
"Anthony Joshua’s mother is to blame," Anjorin stated in the viral video. "She didn’t put her son in a better place... she watched him go back to his village for the festivities. What reasonable mother would watch her son go back to that kind of place?" Her comments implied that a more controlled environment would have minimized risks during the high-profile visit.
The Tragic Accident That Fueled the Debate
Anjorin's remarks came in the wake of a serious road accident involving Anthony Joshua on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The incident, which occurred during his stay in Nigeria, resulted in the loss of two of his close associates. The former heavyweight champion himself sustained minor injuries.
The actress argued that parents of globally renowned figures bear a heightened responsibility for their children's security. This perspective, however, ignited a firestorm of mixed reactions from the Nigerian public, dividing opinion on the appropriateness of her statements.
Social Media Erupts with Divided Opinions
The online community responded swiftly and passionately to Lizzy Anjorin's video. While a few users acknowledged her underlying concern for safety, the vast majority of reactions criticized her for overstepping and unfairly targeting the boxer's family.
Key reactions compiled from social media include:
- uchemaduagwu asked: "When are you going to grow up Lizzy?"
- leem_ssss countered: "He comes to Nigeria every year. Someone is almost 40 and you want his mom to be controlling him."
- star_entreprise_ defended Joshua's choice: "Those of you asking him for Christmas vacation in his own father’s land Dey craze. He’s proud of his father land and that’s it."
- igbiniyesu_tolu offered a measured take: "She has a point, sha."
- celebritymouthpiece delivered a sharp rebuke: "@lizzyanjorin_originallawal when are you taking yourself to rehab?"
Many comments humorously referenced fellow actress Iyabo Ojo, suggesting she influenced the decision, while others simply called for respect and privacy for the grieving boxer and his family.
Police Investigation and Driver's Arrest
In related developments, the Ogun State Police Command confirmed that the driver of the Lexus SUV involved in the accident has been taken into custody. Oluseyi Babaseyi, the Police Public Relations Officer for the state, stated on Thursday, January 1, 2026, that the driver is being held as investigations into the cause of the crash continue.
The incident and the subsequent social media storm highlight ongoing conversations about celebrity safety, parental responsibility for adult children, and the complex relationship Nigerian diaspora figures have with their roots. The debate continues to rage online, with Lizzy Anjorin's comments serving as a catalyst for a wider discussion on these sensitive topics.
