Dada Yar’Adua, the mother of Nigeria’s late President Umaru Yar’Adua, was buried in Katsina on Tuesday after passing away at the age of 100. The burial ceremony took place at the Yammawa Sarki Cemetery, following funeral prayers held at the family’s residence in Katsina. The prayers were led by Aminu Yammawa.
The funeral drew a large gathering of dignitaries from across Nigeria, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, former governors Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State and Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara State, and the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, accompanied by his running mate, Datti Baba-Ahmed.
Dada Yar’Adua passed away on Monday at her late husband’s residence in Katsina. She was buried beside her late husband, Musa Yar’Adua, and two of her sons, who were influential figures in Nigerian politics—former President Umaru Yar’Adua and the late Shehu Yar’Adua.
Her death marks the end of an era, as she was not only the mother of Nigeria’s late president but also a figure who lived through significant periods in the country’s history. Her first son, Shehu Yar’Adua, served as deputy to then-Military Head of State Olusegun Obasanjo from 1976 to 1979 and was a prominent military general until his death in prison on December 8, 1997. Umaru Yar’Adua, her second son, became Nigeria’s president in 2007 but passed away in 2010.
Her late husband, Musa Yar’Adua, was a minister in Nigeria’s First Republic, adding to the family’s legacy of public service. Dada Yar’Adua holds the unique distinction of being the first Nigerian woman whose children served as president, vice president, and governor.
Despite outliving her two most prominent sons, Dada Yar’Adua remained a respected matriarch of a family that has had a profound impact on Nigeria’s political landscape. Her legacy continues through her descendants, including her grandson, Murtala Shehu, who served as a minister from 2009 to 2011.
The passing of Dada Yar’Adua is a moment of reflection for many in Nigeria, as her life spanned a century of the nation’s history, witnessing its evolution from colonial rule to independence and its many challenges and triumphs since. Her death closes a significant chapter in Nigeria’s political history.