‘Detribalised’ emir of Kano buried in glory

Vice-President Namadi Sambo and other dignitaries on Friday in Kano joined thousands of mourners and sympathisers to attend the burial of the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero.

The emir died on Friday in Kano at the age of 83.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, FCT Minister Bala Mohammed and the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), were among dignitaries present at the burial.

Traditional rulers at the burial included the Emirs of Zuru, Alhaji Sani Sami, Zaria, Alhaji Shehu Idris, Wudil, Alhaji Muhammdu Tafida and Kazaure, Alhaji Najib Hussaini Adamu.

The late emir was laid to rest at the Nasarawa House at 6pm.

There was a stampede as people struggled to have a glimpse of the late emir as he was being laid to rest.

Some sustained injuries in the stampede.

The burial was broadcast live on all radio stations in Kano with Quaranic recitations as a show of respect for the late emir.

Prof. Aliyu Kamal of the Bayero University Kano described the late emir as a “detribalised leader” who accommodated people of all races and religions.

“The emir showed great feelings for all people in his domain. On many occasions, his wise counsel saved the state from challenging situations and crises,” he said.

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) described the late emir “as a bridge builder who used his connections to promote peace and harmony in the country”.

Gov. Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta said Bayero was as an “epitome of peace and national unity” and recalled the bold sacrifices and courage exhibited by the late monarch to maintain relative peace in Kano “even in the face of threats by insurgents and at great risk to his life”.