A wave of grief has swept through the family of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, following the passing of a respected matriarch, Safiya Ali Rufai, fondly known as Aunty Safiya.
She reportedly died on Sallah day after a brief illness, according to a statement issued by the family.
Her death was announced by Mohammed Bello El-Rufai via X on March 20. Mourning her loss, the family described her as a guiding presence and offered prayers for her soul, stating:
“May Allah SWT bless the gentle soul of our mother, Aunty Safiya Ali Rufai. She sadly passed away today on Sallah day after a brief illness. Another reminder of the fickle nature of life.”
Aunty Safiya was remembered as a woman of strength, discipline, and deep compassion, whose influence extended beyond her immediate family.
Reflecting on her life and character, the statement added:
“She was fierce, disciplined, devout and compassionate woman. A mother to many. She was an ardent disciplinarian. She will be missed dearly.”
She was married to the late Air Vice Marshal Ali Rufai, the elder brother of Nasir El-Rufai, and was regarded as a key figure within the extended family.
Her passing marks yet another painful loss for a family widely known for its role in public service and national affairs.
The family also called on the public to remember her in prayers, saying:
“I implore the general public to pray for her soul to be elevated to the highest level of paradise. May Allah SWT bless the souls of all our loved ones.”
Her death has attracted condolences from associates and sympathisers, particularly as it occurred during the Eid celebrations, a time traditionally marked by joy, unity, and reflection.
See the post below:
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. May Allah SWT bless the gentle soul of our mother, Aunty Safiya Ali Rufai. She sadly passed away today on Sallah day after a brief illness. Another reminder of the fickle nature of life. She will be dearly missed. She was married to our late… pic.twitter.com/t0Vmi4mpEu
— Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai (@B_ELRUFAI) March 20, 2026
