Yar’Adua Matriarch, Hajiya Habi Dada, Dies

Death is a glorious event when the dead live forever in the minds of those they left behind. So, it is for Hajiya Dada Habi Yar’Adua, who has gone the way of all mortals at the ripe age of 102 years and can be said to have lived a fulfilled life pockmarked by exhilarating circumstances and biting pain of intense proportion, all in equal measure.

Perhaps in keeping with her Fulani ancestry, famous for their ability to take life as it comes, Hajiya lived her life to the full regardless of what fate and fortune threw at her in various times and circumstances. That she lived to see her children and grandchildren grow and flourish is enough for her to feel accomplished as a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Dada was celebrated as a matriarch who raised influential political figures in Nigeria.

This lady married into one of the most illustrious families, not just in her home state of Katsina but actually in the country. A family that produced the first Northern Minister of Lagos Affairs, a second in command in a military administration of this country, an executive President, and a serving senator left the world, certainly satisfied that Allah was immensely kind to her.

Her husband, the late Mutawallen Katsina, Alhaji Musa Yar’Adua, was the first Northern Minister of Lagos Affairs in the First Republic. Her Son, Major General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, was the Chief of Staff at Supreme Headquarters and second in command to then Head of State, General Olusegun Obasanjo. The General went on to become an iconic political figure who was cut down in mid trajectory by the General Sani Abacha junta on allegations of treason.

The race to the presidency started by the older Musa Yar’Adua was completed by his younger brother, Umaru Yar’Adua, who also bowed to death mid-term as the third executive President of Nigeria after Alhaji Shehu Shagari and Obasanjo. Another of her sons is keeping the family flag flying as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We are not forgetting her three granddaughters who occupied government houses in Katsina, Bauchi, and Kebbi as First Ladies.

Friends and associates of the famous family have expressed their grief since her death. In his condolence message, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu extolled her legacy of compassion, faith, honesty, and good fellowship, prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul, and “affirms that the beloved and remarkable matriarch of the Yar’Adua family will always be remembered for the support, peace, joy, and comfort she offered to many.”

Northern governors, for their part, expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Hajiya Dada Yar’Adua. In a statement, the Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, offered heartfelt condolences on behalf of the 19 northern governors.

Yahaya described Hajiya Dada as a “rare gem” whose influence extended beyond her immediate family. He highlighted her role as a mother to a president and other prominent figures, including a current senator. Her life exemplified resilience, wisdom, and a nurturing spirit that inspired those around her. The governor emphasised the significant loss her death represents, not just for her family but for Nigeria as a whole, given her contributions through her children’s public service. He hoped her enduring legacy would motivate future generations to serve the nation with dedication and integrity.

Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda, who visited the Yar’adua family to express his sympathies acknowledged the profound loss felt by the community. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also shared his grief, describing Dada as a mother to many, highlighting her welcoming nature and compassion. He extended his condolences to the Yar’adua family and prayed for her eternal rest.

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki remembered her warmth and wisdom, recalling a treasured encounter that left a lasting impression on him. Dada Yar’adua has been laid to rest according to Islamic customs. Her legacy of love and leadership will be remembered by many, as she played a significant role in nurturing Nigeria’s political landscape through her children.

Hajiya Dada Habi Yar’adua was a respected figure in her own right and was known for her strong character and the significant influence she had on her sons’ lives and careers.

As she journeys to eternity, we join her family, other relations, friends, associates and indeed other Nigerians in wishing her gentle soul a peaceful repose in the bosom of Allah.