* Testimonial match planned for May 3

The family of the late Nigerian international Rashidi Yekini, have initiated processes that result in court giving legal backing to the take over and administration of his estate.

Yekini, who was a proven goal banger for Nigeria national team died on May 4 last year, intestate after he took ill. The family then appeared split over the circumstances of his death.

But his lawyer, Mohammed Jubril Olarenwaju, has told reporters that the family was now united and plans to secure a letter of Administration from the court in respect of all his estate.

Yekini, who played 62 times and scored 37 goals for Nigeria between 1984 -1998, died without leaving a Will. He left two houses in Ibadan and Ijagbo, Kwara State.

He is survived by two wives - Maryam Pat Fagbode and Adeola Akanni - both who sired two daughters for him.

Olanrewaju said that the eldest daughter, Rashidat Yemisi Yekini, who will clock 19 this year, has given her consent to the move and will grace the memorial lecture and testimonial match planned for the late star on May 2-3 in Ibadan. She is based in the UK.

“The family including the immediate younger brothers, Sumaila and Akeem Yekini are behind what we are doing. Yekini was never interested in amassing property. He had two houses - one mansion at Ring Road in Ibadan and a two-storey building of six flats with an attached bungalow in Ijagbo. The mother occupies a flat in Ijagbo. The house in Ibadan is still unoccupied. We want to get the Letter of Administration in respect of all Estate,” Olarenwaju said.

The legal practitioner said the family was in discussion with the Sports Ministry and Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) concerning the two days of activity planned to commemorate the first anniversary of the passage of the Nigerian football hero in May.

According to Olarenwaju, discussions had been held with the Sports Minister Bolaji Abdulahi and Secretary General of NFF Musa Amadu, with both giving words on the full participation of the establishment on the programme.

According to him, a memorial lecture and book launch will hold on the first day of the anniversary. A testimonial match between the All Star International, Lagos versus the All Star Ibadan/Abeokuta is billed for May 3.

The commemorative match will draw some of Yekini’s former colleagues in the national team including, Friday Ekpo, Ademola Adesina, Stephen Keshi, Samson Siasia, and Ike Shorounmu, among others.