By Tosin Olakotan
- The body lying-in-state
The late iconic ex-Super Eagles footballer Rashidi Yekini has been buried in his hometown – Irra, Offa in Kwara State according to Muslim rights this evening Saturday, May 5, 2012.
Yekini passed away yesterday after a long period of uncertainty concerning the status of his mental health
According to our source Emmanuel Adepoju, who was in Offa for the burial, over 500 sympathisers were present including his daughter Yemi Yekini. The burial ceremony was presided over by the Chief Imam of Kwara State.
Others in attendance include the Oyo State Commissioner of Sports, Dapo Lam Adesina, Mutiu Adepoju, Dimeji Lawal, Ajibade Babalade and a long list of other dignitaries who stood at the graveside as the Imam gave a sermon.
The Royal Father of Irra, Oyewole Oyetoro gave his vote of thanks as sympathisers dispersed.
The footballer’s death has come as a shock to fans and colleagues who are still expressing sad feelings on social networks, TV and radio.
We’re told several state governments have already begun donating money to the Yekini family but sympathisers feel the donations should have been made much earlier when the famed striker was still alive.
The Kwara State government have also pledged a sum of N1.5m to the bereaved family.
No word yet on Cause of death.
- The body being lowered into the ground…
- Yekini is buried at the back of his home…
- At the Onira of Ira palace…
21 comments
hmph….sure looks like a befitting burial for an icon….Pardon my sarcasm.
Life’s like that. May his soul rest in perfect peace. I feel so sad, cold and reflective. He must be immortalized in a grand way cos this is a man who laboured assidously for the glory of this country without restrain
THis is a disgraceful burial for a national icon!
His exit is painful,to we football fans,His impact will never be forgeted.I say may his soul rest in peace.We bring nothing to the world and we takes nothing away,i will advice the fellow Nigerians to give ther live to Jesus Christ cos This is the only faith we have that when we die we are asured of external life.I Pray that God will consoled the diseased family Amen
This kind burial sucks
U did not mention any nff member. In atendance were are they ?
@Desmond and Harriman,
This is exactly what burial according to Islamic rites is. Simple and with no fanfare or celebration. Islam forbids the use of coffins or burying of the corpse in a coffin. The moral is that we came bare and we leave bare. The only permitted material is the white clothing with which y the corpse is wrapped and the perfume that is sprayed on the corpse before burial.
Everything else in the burial rite are offerin of prayers and the delivery of sermon.
Therefore, national icon or not, this is how it should be done so far the person is a muslim and his family are following the Islamic way.
Forget past muslim celebrities who have died and the proper rules/procedure have not been followed, the judgement on that is with Allah.
We should please face reality. Was Gani Fawhinmi not a Muslim? Whatever anybody thinks religion apart, Rashidi Yekini deserves more than this he was an icon as far as sports in concerned.
What a way to honour our hero.SHAME to Nigeria!!!
What a pity. No representatives from either the GOVT or the NFF. For someone who did so much for his country before his death… Why do u now want me to die for my country when she is of no use to me and careless either I’m dead or alive?
Nigerian govt as reactive as ever. They did not care when he was alive and are donating millions when he is gone. Why should any player give his best to Nigeria knowing fully well how he would be treated in trying time? Everyone should also take a cue from this because one day we all gonna die. What will people say about you when you are gone?
Government have 2 stand 4 thier citizens if at all they want youths to work and make our nation proud and grt
may soul rest in pret peace
Rashidi yekini,was great man which nigerians we never 4get in sport history,may his soul rest in perfect peace.
May is gentle soul rest in perfect peace?
Rashidi is a lengendry nigeria has miss n they will never produce such person again.may his soul rest in peace
Emma,leave dat of gani fawehmi aside in irra,rather in kwara we r all gud muslim who follow d saying nd action of d holy prophet so hw rashid suppose to be buried so all we have to do nw is to pray 4 him may allah 4 gv him
Emma,leave dat of gani fawehmi aside in irra,rather in kwara we r all gud muslim who follow d saying nd action of d holy prophet so daz hw rashid suppose to be buried so all we have to do nw is to pray 4 him may allah 4 gv him
What a shame,Rashid has a problem and NFF /nig Government cant help him also when he die they burry him like Dog,is a pitty what we hv this set of useless leader,,R.I .P
R.yakini,, may Ur soul rest in peace- amen. At least you
put smiles in our faces during your days of football evenn
till today. i cant forget your drama demonstrated inside
the goal keepers post where you put two of your hands
as if you are about to tear the net into pieces.
I wish Mr death is respectable, i could have suggest him
to go and kill 5,000 chickens in my village and live you
alone for me.
You are the only Muslim man i am proud off. i love u.
em ex south