By Muhammad Mamman
Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, visited the family of Nigeria’s revered football icon, Peter Rufai, on Saturday morning to offer his condolences. The former Super Eagles goalkeeper, fondly known as Dodo Mayana, was laid to rest in Lagos on Friday.
Accompanied by fellow football legend Sylvanus Okpala, Obi spent an hour at the Rufai family residence in Amuwo Odofin, where he was warmly received by Peter’s younger brother, Bruce—who travelled from Spain for the burial—and sisters Bosede, Dele, and other relatives. Obi shared words of solace, urging the family to find strength in their loss, and offered prayers for the eternal repose of the celebrated goalkeeper. Before departing, he signed the condolence register, leaving a lasting impression of empathy and solidarity.
“I’m deeply saddened by the loss of our great goalkeeper,” Obi remarked. “I only learned of the burial yesterday while in Abuja, or I would have been there. I flew straight to Lagos this morning to be with you. May his soul rest in peace.”
The family expressed profound gratitude, with Bruce noting, “Your visit has truly lifted our spirits. We felt overlooked by the authorities, but your presence here is a great honour. Thank you, Your Excellency.” The arrival of Obi sparked moments of joy amidst the grief, with some family members visibly moved by the gesture.
