Former Governor El-Rufai Mourns Sister-in-Law's Death on Sallah Day
Tragedy struck former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai as his sister-in-law, Safiya Ali Rufai, passed away on Friday, March 20, 2026, coinciding with the Sallah celebration. The news was confirmed by family sources, who reported that she died after a brief illness, casting a shadow over the festive period for the prominent political family.
Family Ties and Announcement
Safiya Ali Rufai was the wife of the late Air Vice Marshal Ali Rufai, the elder brother of Nasir El-Rufai, making her an integral part of the extended family. Her death was officially announced by Bello El-Rufai, the former governor's son and a member of the House of Representatives representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency. This announcement highlighted the close-knit nature of the family and the significance of the loss during a time of religious observance.
Legacy and Character
Family members have described the late Safiya as a disciplined and devoted woman who played a crucial role in raising many within the family. She was widely respected for her strong religious life and unwavering commitment to family values, traits that endeared her to relatives and community members alike. Her passing is seen as a profound loss, not only to the El-Rufai family but also to those who knew her for her nurturing and principled demeanor.
The timing of her death on Sallah day, a major Islamic festival, adds a layer of poignancy to the mourning process, as it contrasts the joy of celebration with the sorrow of bereavement. This event underscores the unpredictable nature of life and the challenges faced by public figures in balancing personal grief with public roles.
