Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has expressed his condolences to former Kaduna State governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai following the passing of his mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai.
In a statement released on Friday night, Obi said, “I have just received the sad news of the passing of the mother of my brother, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, in Cairo, Egypt, where she had been receiving treatment.
“This is indeed a sombre moment for the El-Rufai family, as Mama’s passing marks the close of a significant chapter in their matriarchal lineage.
“The loss of a mother is a profound turning point in anyone’s life, regardless of status or position. My deepest sympathies go to Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and the entire family. May her soul rest in Aljannatul Firdaus.”
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Hajiya Umma El-Rufai died on Friday in Cairo, Egypt, after a period of illness. She was reportedly about 100 years old.
Following her death, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) granted temporary bail to El-Rufai, allowing him to attend to the funeral rites of his late mother.
El-Rufai’s son, Bashir, confirmed his father’s release in a post on his X account on Friday night.
The late matriarch’s passing was first announced by her grandson, Bello El-Rufai, via a Facebook post in which he celebrated her life and called on friends and family to pray for her soul.
Several prominent Nigerians have also paid tribute to Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, including President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani.
Her death comes just a week after the passing of her daughter-in-law, Safiya Ali Rufai.