The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, who died early Friday morning, was buried in the evening with thousands of people in attendance.
His remains were buried at his ancestral home called Nassarawa located in Nassarawa Local Government Area of the state. The place also has the reputation of being the last resting place of five previous emirs.
Ado Bayero was buried around 5pm with dignitaries, including the Vice President Namadi Sambo; a former Vice Presideent Atiku Abubakar, a former military head of state, General Muhammed Buhari and several others in attendance.
However, the state governor, Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, could not attend the burial ceremony because he was out of the state when the emir died.
However, his deputy, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, represented him at the ceremony.
Other notable persons from Kano State who witnessed the burial ceremony were, a former state governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau; Malam Sagir Takai, former governorship candidate of the defunct All Nigeria People Party, (ANPP).
A measure of the love the people had for the late emir was the unprecedented crowd of people who thronged the area to pay their last respect to the departed Emir.
The Walin Kano, Alhaji Mahe Bashir, had in the morning announced that Bayero died on Friday in Kano at the age of 84.
Bashir, a member of the Kano Emirate Council, also announced the time for Bayero’s funeral.
Senior Emirate Council members, traditional and religious leaders, politicians, top government officials and businessmen from across the country soon started converging on the palace.Very tight security measures were put in place to ensure the safety of the mourners.
Born on June 15, 1930, in Gidan Rumfa, Bayero was coronated in 1963 as the 13th Emir of Kano.
Jonathan mourns
President Goodluck Jonathan has, meanwhile, expressed “shock, sadness and a deep feeling of great national loss” over the death of Alhaji Bayero.
This was contained in a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, in Abuja on Friday.
The statement said Jonathan, on behalf of himself, his family and the Federal Government commiserated with the emir’s family and the people of Kano State over the death of 13th emir.
The president said the departed emir presided illustriously as traditional ruler for more than half a century.
“The president joins them in mourning the monarch whose uncommon leadership qualities and evident faith in the peace, unity, progress, and prosperity of Nigeria combined to make him one of the most respected traditional rulers in the country during his long and very successful reign.”
He believed that Bayero would always be remembered and honoured by the people of Kano and all Nigerians for his immense wisdom and competence as a traditional ruler.
Jonathan said that the late emir used his exalted throne to build bridges of unity, friendship and harmony across the nation.
The president reaffirmed his 2013 declaration on the emir’s 50th anniversary that the deceased was one of the most decent and respectable Nigerians he had had the privilege of interacting with.
According to him, he will always treasure pleasant memories of their last meeting earlier this year.
He prayed that the Almighty Allah would grant the people of Kano “a worthy successor who will carry on his good works and wise rule for the well-being and benefit of all Nigerians.”
Northern governors also mourn
Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) has described the death of Alhaji Ado Bayero, as a monumental loss to the North and the entire nation.
Chairman of the forum and governor of Niger, Dr Babangida Aliyu, made this known in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Israel Ebije, in Minna on Friday.
Aliyu said the late emir was a fountain of experience and a father to all regardless of ethno-religious affiliations.
He said the North and entire country would miss his contributions, especially now that the country needed people of his calibre to chart a better future in the area of security.
The forum also condoled with the Governor Kwankwaso for the loss, and urged him to take the emir’s death as the will of Allah.
Aliyu said the death of the emirs of Kano, Gwoza and Gombe only revealed that as human beings, “we must taste death.”
He said it was time for those engaged in violent acts to embrace peace as no one could tell when death would come.
The chairman of the forum said the northern states were passing through challenges, especially as the weight of insurgency, poverty and fragmented socio-political interests had continued to rise geometrically.
He stressed the need for prayers to restore peace, unity and collective developmental aspiration once again in the North and Nigeria as a country.
“We will remember him for his humility, truthfulness on issues, determination to serve the country and above all, his religious chastity.
“For us in the Northern states, the Emir of Kano was an encyclopedia reflecting every module needed to chart a better roadmap for the North based on his wealth of experience.
“We must work towards fulfilling his wish of seeing a united Northern Nigeria.
“We must emulate his dream of a peaceful, united and prosperous Nigeria by placing the collective interest of the Northern states, Nigeria above individual interests,” he said.
Aliyu said the death of Bayero and those of emirs of Gwoza and Gombe should not be in vain, adding that they all worked towards ending insurgency in the country.
He said the best legacy they had bequeathed was the tenets of tolerance and brotherly relationship regardless of religion, ethnic persuasion or political interests.
Bayero’s death, a big blow —Mark
By Taiwo Adisa – Abuja
senate President, David Mark, said on Friday that the death of Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, was a big blow to Nigeria.
Senator Mark, in a statement, said that the death of the respected monarch amounted to the loss of a great asset in Nigeria.
According to him, the monarch will be missed in many respects by Nigerians. most especially at this time when the country is going through a trying period and his wisdom was mostly needed.
“He was a peace maker. He made Kano home for all. He was accommodating, preached love, unity and good neighborliness. He was a detribalised leader who made the nation his constituency, the senate president said.
The senate president recalled that late Bayero was among the few Nigerian leaders who worked hard for the unity and indivisibility of the nation especially during trying times.
He added that,“His contributions to the peace and unity of Nigeria cannot be wished away. The nation owes him a measure of gratitude for his contributions to the socio-political and economic development of the country.”
Mark urged Nigerians especially the present crop of leaders to emulate the great virtues of patriotism , philanthropy, honesty and good leadership quality which the late emir was known for.
He equally sympathised with the government and people of Kano state and most especially the bereaved family over the death of the monarch, adding that they need to take solace in the fact that late Bayero lived a successful and well accomplished life.
I’ve lost a father —Atiku
By Jacob Segun Olatunji – Abuja
The former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, on Friday, mourned the death of the late Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero who died in the early hours of Friday at the age of 83.
Atiku, reacting to the incident said he had lost a father.
In a tribute to the late emir, which was made available to newsmen in Abuja, the former vice president said his relationship with the late emir which had spanned over three decades was that of a father and son.
He added that Bayero was not only loyal to his people in his immediate domain, but also to Nigeria and humanity at large.
According to the former vice president, Bayero was a pious, humble, upright and honest man whose integrity was unparalleled.
Atiku noted that Bayero’s death has robbed the nation of a noble crusader of unity, tolerance and peaceful co-existence.
He recalled that promoting unity and tolerance was one of the late monarch’s greatest and unforgettable legacies.
According to him, Nigeria has lost a crusader for peace, stability and unity at a time his services were still needed
He recalled the significant contributions of Bayero in sustaining the unity of Nigeria during the January 15, 1966 political crisis, a role that earned him the respect of late Chief Chukuemeka Ojukwu.
Apart from Bayero’s commitment to unity, Atiku praised the late monarch’s ability to rule over a vast, complex, heterogeneous, and cosmopolitan state like Kano without losing his sanity, a quality he said was rare among average leaders.
We’ve lost a bridge builder and leader, Aregbesola says
By Oluwole Ige – Osogbo
Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, on Friday, described the death of Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, as a huge loss to Nigeria.
In a statement signed by his director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr Semiu Okanlawon, Aregbesola said the news of the death of Bayero who was one the most prominent traditional rulers in the country was shocking and sad.
According to the governor, the nation has lost the emir at a time it’s witnessing socio-political challenges. His wisdom and counsel would have been of immense help.
The statement read in part: “Indeed the death of Alhaji Ado Bayero is very sad. We have lost a father-figure; we have lost a great leader; we have indeed lost a bridge builder and a great man whose image stood tall not only in Kano State and the North but also the country as a whole.”
“The wisdom, experience and vast influence of the emir will be missed as the nation is in search of permanent solutions to the religious crisis, state insecurity and socio-political upheavals currently facing it.
“Bayero will be remembered as one of the strongest and influential emirs in the history of the country.”
Bayero, an epitome of peace — Gov Uduaghan
Delta State governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, has expressed sadness at the death of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, describing him as an epitome of peace and national unity.
In a statement by his press secretary, Felix Ofou, the governor noted the courage exhibited and sacrifices made by the late monarch to maintain peace in Kano despite threats by insurgents.
“Even at the risk to his life, the late emir stood defiantly against religious extremism and helped maintain peace in Kano which is the commercial centre of northern Nigeria.
“Our revered royal father was not cowed; neither did he retreat when his convoy was shot at. He also intervened where necessary to ensure that peace and the unity of the country was not in any way compromised,” he said.
Uduaghan recalled how the late emir received him and his entourage in the ancient city of Kano in 2007, noting that the encounter and warm reception accorded him them would remain indelible in his mind.
“Because of his personal commitment to peace and unity of Nigeria, Bayero welcomed us to the ancient city of Kano. He related to me like a son and I saw him as a father,” he added.
He was a father to all —Fayemi
By Sam Nwaoko – Ado-Ekiti
Ekiti State governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has described the death of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, as a monumental loss to Nigeria.
Fayemi in a statement made avaailable to newsmen in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State capital, by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, also described the emir’s demise as “the end of an era of one of the longest and most prosperous reign in the history of the traditional institution in Nigeria.”
According to Fayemi, “the late Bayero presided over an emirate that became a rallying point for all Nigerians irrespective of their ethnic, cultural, linguistic and religious backgrounds.
The governor also described the late emir as “a father to all from whom political leaders drew inspiration, counsel and mentoring.
Governor Fayemi noted that the death of the Kano monarch has left a big vacuum in the promotion of peace, nation building, conflict resolution and national unity.
He stressed that the late emir’s life exemplified service as a prince community leader, police officer, diplomat and traditional ruler of repute.
Emulate Bayero’s footsteps, Wada urges family
By Ayodele Adesanmi – Lokoja
The governor of Kogi State, Captain Idris Wada, has commiserated with the people and government of Kano State over the death of Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero.
Specifically, the governor prayed the Almighty Allah to give the immediate family of the late emir the fortitude to bear the loss.
In a condolence message signed by governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Mr Jacob Edi, he extolled the virtues of the departed monarch and urged the family to emulate his footsteps.
According to him, the late emir’s death will leave a gap in the country’s diplomatic space.
He wished the deceased eternal rest.
Alaafin, Olubadan, Soun, Alake, NSCIA mourn
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, has described the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, who died on Friday morning, at the age of 83 as a highly respected monarch who contributed his quota to the development of his emirate and the nation at large.
Oba Adeyemi, in a statement signed by his Press Secretary, Azeez Fehintola, said: “On behalf of the people of Oyo State, the Oyo-mesi and the traditional cabinet, I commiserate with the people of Kano emirate and the nation at large.
“I pray that God would grant the family, Kano State government and the nation the fortitude to bear the loss.”
Similarly, the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Samuel Odulana, has expressed sadness over the death of the late emir.
The Osi Olubadan, Chief Lekan Balagun, who spoke on behalf of the Olubadan, quoted him as describing Bayero as a distinguished and highly revered traditional ruler.
“Ado Bayero was a great and peaceful man. I have a lot of respect and passion for him,” he said.
Oba Odulana, while wishing the late emir eternal rest, also commiserated with the government and people of Kano State.
Also reacting to his death was the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Oladunni Oyewunmi Ajagungbade, who said the late monarch lived a fulfilled life.
Ajagungbade, in a condolence message signed by his Press Secretary, Mr Toyin Ajamu, said Bayero died at a time when his wealth of experience was most needed.
The monarch, while commiserating with the Bayero family, Kano emirate and the nation, also prayed that God would give the family the fortitude to bear the loss.
In Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, expressed shock over Bayero’s death.
“I was shocked and I’m still in shock over the news.
“Now, I’m short of words. Kindly give me some time to enable me release a press statement on the issue,” he said.
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, in its reaction, described Bayero as a great and principled leader.
In a statement issued by the secretary general of the council, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, the council condoled with the nation and the people of Kano State over Bayero’s death and wished him a peaceful rest.
Also reacting was the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN) which described Bayero as an upright and distinguished Nigerian.
A statement issued by its chairman, Abdul-Rahman Balogun, prayed that God would grant the traditional ruler eternal rest.
His death regrettable —Amosun
Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has expressed regret at the death of Bayero.
The governor expressed his condolence to the government and people of Kano State, the Emirate Council and Nigeria in general on the exit of the foremost traditional ruler.
In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mrs Olufunmilayo Wakama, Amosun described Bayero as one of the revered traditional rulers in Nigeria, who preached peace and believed in the unity of the country.
“The death of Alhaji Ado Bayero is regrettable because, even at his age, he belonged to the vanguard who made efforts at curbing the activities of insurgents in the North.
“As a royal father, he was committed to the development of his people and Nigeria as a whole as he used his influence in fostering peace and attracting development to the emirate and, by extension, the state.
“We hope that his colleagues will continue with the good work he started.
“The royal father also devoted his life and wealth to the propagation of Islam. He would be sorely missed,” the governor said.
Amosun, while commiserating with the family of the late monarch and his council of chiefs, urged them to take solace in the fact that the late emir led an exemplary life and left his prints in the sands of times through his unwavering stance in the propagation of Islam.
Bayero was a stabilising factor in Nigeria, says Mimiko
Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State, on Friday, described the death of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, as a great loss to the nation.
This is contained in a condolence message signed by the Commissioner for Information, Mr Kayode Akinmade and sent to the late emir’s family, the Kano Emirate and the entire people of Kano.
Mimiko described the Bayero’s death as most unfortunate “especially at this time the nation is looking up to the likes of him for restoration of national peace.”
The governor, who prayed that God should grant the late emir eternal rest, said the deceased lived an exemplary royal life.
“The late emir was a rare gem, a stabilising factor in Nigeria, a complete royal father and an exemplary custodian of culture who was loved by all.
“He was very humble even as an influential monarch.
“No doubt he will be sorely missed by all.
“God will console his family, subjects and friends alike and give them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss of a true father and guardian,” Mimiko said.
PDP, APC mourn Ado Bayero
By Jacob Segun Olatunji and Leon Usigbe – Abuja
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Friday, joined millions of Nigerians to mourn the demise of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, saying that he lived and died for justice and the unity of the country.
In a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metu, the party said that its National Working Committee “received the news of the passage of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, with great shock and deep sadness.”
The statement read: ”Indeed, this is a sad day. Our nation and the world has lost an uncommon personality; a great African and a quintessential monarch.
“Alhaji Ado Bayero lived as a legend, a detribalised Nigerian and statesman who sacrificed the greater part of his life for the stability, oneness and development of our dear nation.
“He has left for us and generations yet unborn resounding legacies and glowing footprints to follow.”
It added, ”the late emir till death, was the longest serving and unarguably one of the most respected emirs in the history of Kano Emirate; a devout muslim who, despite his exceptional attainments, left us great lessons as a strong symbol of godliness, tolerance, justice, honesty and service to our father land.”
“He was an excellent administrator and entrepreneur who played key roles towards the political and economic development of our country.
“His contributions to national discourse remained pivotal to the sustenance .of democracy and good governance in Nigeria
“We mourn with our National Chairman, Ahmadu Adamu Muazu as he grieves for the loss of his adopted father, the emir, who nurtured him and many other prominent Nigerians to greatness.
“Our hearts also reach out to the Bayero family even as we condole with the Kano Emirate, the good people of Kano state and the entire nation for this huge loss.”
UI VC mourns
THE vice-chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Isaac Adewole, has condoled with the Arewa and the people of Kano on the death of the university’s Chancellor and the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero.
The vice chancellor said the late Chancellor was a distinguished monarch, diplomat, patriot, bridge-builder and exemplary statesman, who distinguished himself in the journey of life.
Professor Adewole said the late Chancellor made genuine contributions to national development.
“He was a champion of peace who, in his private and public life, preached peace and peaceful co-existence.
“We carry in our hearts the precious memories of a Special Chancellor and father,” the vice chancellor said in a statement by the university’s Director of Public Communication, Mr Olatunji Oladejo.
Glo sympathises with Kano emirate over emir’s demise
Telecoms operator, Globacom has joined Nigerians in mourning the death of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero.
The first class traditional ruler who had been the emir of Kano since 1963, died in Kano, Kano State capital in the early hours of Friday.
The Group Chief Operating Officer of Globacom, Muhammed Jameel, in a statement in Lagos, said the company sympathised with the government and people of Nigeria and Kano State on the death of the emir.
“We are deeply saddened by his passage as Nigeria has lost one of its leading lights.
“Alhaji Bayero was not just one of Nigeria’s most prominent traditional rulers, he was also a distinguished national icon. He was a man of peace, a devout Muslim, and a great leader who left a legacy worthy of emulation.
“We mourn with the country and wish to convey our deepest sympathies to his immediate family, his subjects, the government and people of Kano State, the Federal Government and indeed all Nigerians on the loss of this great patriot,” Jameel stated.
He noted that in his 51-year reign as emir of Kano, Alhaji Bayero contributed greatly to the development of his emirate and the country as a whole.
“During his tenure, the emirate witnessed great transformation from a powerful native authority into a custodian of indigenous culture and Islamic traditions. He also discharged himself creditably in the public service as the Chief of Kano Police, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Senegal and the Chancellor of University of Nigeria and University of Ibadan,” he further stated.
“He was a detribalised Nigerian and a rallying point for peaceful co-existence of tribes and nationalities in the country, and he will be greatly missed. We pray that God will grant him eternal rest and grant his family, subjects, government and people of Nigeria the strength to bear the loss,”he added.
Jameel urged Nigerians to take solace in the long and fruitful life the emir lived and called on other leaders to emulate the virtues of the late traditional ruler.
Bayero’s death, a huge loss —Turaki
MINISTER of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs, Alhaji Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), has expressed shock over the death of the emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero.
In a statement by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister, Mr Okey Muogbo, Turaki described the late emir as a man who worked tirelessly for the people of his emirate and the Nigerian nation at large.
According to the minister, “by the death of the emir, Nigeria has lost a great father, patriot and nationalist, whose contributions to the stability of Nigeria are enormous.”
“Since he ascended the throne of his forefathers in October 1963, he has not only become one of the longest-serving emirs in the emirate’s history, but during his long reign, the emirate has been transformed into a modern city, which, through the hospitality of the late emir, became home to Nigerians of religious and ethnic callings,” the minister further said.
Turaki, who spent much of his years of legal practice in the city of Kano, recalled that late Alhaji Bayero was loved by his subjects throughout his long reign, saying that by his death, the nation has lost a peace maker.
Bayero, symbol of peace, unity —APC
By Lanre Adewole – Lagos
THE All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed shock and sadness, at the death of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, saying his demise came at a time that his wisdom and wealth of knowledge are much needed to help Nigeria to surmount its challenges.
In a statement issued in Lagos, on Friday, by its interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the late emir was a symbol of peace and unity in his lifetime, reaching far beyond ethnic and religious divide to help foster a united Nigeria.
It said the emir’s long and remarkable reign that spanned over half a century marked a period of prolonged peace and prosperity for his domain, which was a testimony to his much-revered leadership qualities and his uncommon humanity.
“APC commiserates with the family of the late emir, as well as with the government and people of Kano State, on the passing of such a great man and we express hope to do everything possible to ensure that his legacy endures.
“The party prays that God will grant eternal rest to the soul of the departed and also give those he left behind, the strength to bear their huge loss,” the statement reads.
