Following in Peter Obi’s Footsteps, Rufai’s Family Accused of Politicizing Football Icon’s Death

The passing of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai has sparked a wave of tributes, but also controversy, as former Nigeria international Waidi Akanni accused Rufai’s family of turning the burial into a political spectacle—drawing parallels with Peter Obi’s recent visit.

Akanni, a former Lagos FA chairman, expressed dismay over claims made by Rufai’s brother, Bruce Sonny Rufai, that the Lagos State Government failed to redeem a ₦15,000 pledge for burial support.

Akanni dismissed the figure as a misrepresentation, clarifying that the actual commitment was ₦15 million, and blamed the delay on the family’s late arrival to a scheduled meeting with government officials.

‘We were supposed to meet the Lagos State representative at noon, but the family didn’t show up until 2:30pm,’ Akanni said. ‘By then, the Executive Meeting was already underway. The approval documents are with Dele, Rufai’s sister, so I’m shocked they’re making such claims.’

Akanni further criticized the family for using Peter Obi’s condolence visit to amplify a narrative of government neglect. Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, had visited the Rufai residence in Lagos, where he delivered a heartfelt tribute.

‘Today, I paid a condolence visit to the family of our late Green Eagles captain and celebrated goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, in Lagos,’ Obi wrote on social media. ‘He was one of the finest players of his generation—an icon whose heroics in goal brought pride to millions of Nigerians.’

‘Reading about the tragedy of most Nigerians, how some of them struggled to cater to their needs when challenged by misfortune, I am strengthened in my belief that we must all work together to create the Nigeria of our dreams, where service and sacrifice are honoured, where our heroes in all spheres of life are not forgotten, and where every citizen can live with dignity and security.

‘In moments like this, we are reminded that a nation’s greatness is also measured by the value it places on those who gave their all for her. Peter Rufai belongs to this league of heroes, and it is our collective duty to ensure that their memories inspire us, and that their sacrifices are never in vain.’

Akanni believes the family used the visit to fuel a narrative that undermines the efforts of the Lagos State Government. He pointed out that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was the first public official to pay a condolence visit and also attended the Night of Tributes.

‘This isn’t about politics—it’s about honouring a legend,’ Akanni said. ‘I stepped in to help when the state funds weren’t immediately available, raising nearly ₦5 million through PFAN and Odion Ighalo. It’s disappointing that my name is being dragged into this.’