Lere Olayinka Blasts Peter Obi Over ‘Hypocritical’ Condolence Visit to Peter Rufai’s Family

The political and sports community was thrown into fresh controversy on Saturday after Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, paid a condolence visit to the family of late Super Eagles legend Peter Rufai.

What was meant to be a solemn moment has now sparked debate after Lere Olayinka, senior special adviser on media to Nyesom Wike, accused Obi of hypocrisy.

The Visit That Sparked a Storm

Peter Obi’s visit, which took place on August 23, 2025, quickly went viral as photos and videos surfaced online showing the politician consoling Rufai’s family.

However, critics pointed out that the visit came seven weeks after Rufai’s death on July 3, and only days after former Super Eagles defender Taribo West publicly slammed Obi for being absent during the funeral.

Lere Olayinka’s Sharp Criticism

Reacting on his official X (Twitter) handle, Lere Olayinka pulled no punches:

“Peter Rufai died on July 3, 2025. He is paying condolence visit on August 23, 2025, just because of what Taribo West said. Just anything for the camera and media…”

His comments have fueled heated arguments online, with supporters and critics of Obi clashing over whether the visit was genuine empathy or political optics.

Why This Matters

For many Nigerians, public figures showing up during times of grief is not just about politics — it’s about respect, culture, and solidarity. The timing of Obi’s visit has therefore raised important questions:

• Should condolence visits be judged by timing or intention?

• Was Obi’s move an act of sincerity, or a calculated media play?

• Do politicians risk being misunderstood in every action they take?

These are the debates now dominating online spaces.