‘Bama so’ – El-Rufai’s son rejects Gov Uba Sani’s condolence message

2026-03-27 - 18:54

The son of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, Bashir El-Rufai, has rejected a condolence message issued by Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, over the death of his grandmother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai. Governor Sani had, in a statement, expressed sympathy to the former governor and his family, describing the deceased as a woman of strong values and compassion. “On behalf of the Government and people of Kaduna State, I extend my deepest condolences to His Excellency, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, and the entire El-Rufai family on the passing of their beloved mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai,” the governor said. He further paid tribute to her character, noting that she lived a life marked by humility and service. “Hajiya Umma El-Rufai was not only a devoted mother and matriarch, but also a woman of rare grace, moral clarity, and quiet strength,” he stated. “She lived a life defined by compassion, humility, and steadfast service... In her community, she was a steady source of counsel and reconciliation,” the statement added. The governor also offered prayers for the repose of her soul and strength for the bereaved family. “I stand in solemn solidarity with the El-Rufai family, praying that Almighty Allah will forgive her shortcomings, accept her righteous deeds, and grant her eternal repose in Aljannatul Firdaus,” he said. However, reacting to the message, Bashir El-Rufai dismissed the condolence in a brief post. “Bama so,” he wrote, a Hausa phrase which translates to “we don’t want.” Meanwhile, El-Rufai remains in custody following his arraignment by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission on a 10-count charge bordering on alleged conversion of public property and money laundering.