Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero
Thousands of people on Friday attended the burial of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, one of Nigeria’s prominent monarchs and Muslim leaders.
Bayero, who ascended the throne in 1963, died on Friday morning after a long illness at the age of 83.
Open-air prayers were held at the palace before a funeral cortege made its way to the emir’s palace, where he was buried.
Emirs, dignitaries and politicians from across the country were also in attendance.
President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday described the death of the emir as shocking.
Jonathan said he received the news of the emir’s death with sadness and a feeling of great national loss.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the President sympathised with the late emir’s family and the people of Kano over the incident.
He said the monarch would be remembered for his immense wisdom and competence as a traditional ruler.
The statement read, “On behalf of himself, his family, the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria, President Jonathan commiserates with the emir’s family and all the people of Kano over whom the departed emir presided 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.
“President Jonathan believes that Alhaji Ado Bayero will always be remembered and honoured by the people of Kano and all Nigerians for his immense wisdom and competence as a traditional ruler, as well as for using his exalted throne to build bridges of unity, friendship and harmony across the nation.
“The President reaffirms his declaration on the occasion of the Emir’s 50th anniversary celebrations last year that the late Alhaji Ado Bayero was one of the most decent and respectable Nigerians he has had the privilege of interacting with, and he will always treasure pleasant memories of their last meeting earlier this year.
“He prays that the Almighty Allah will receive the late emir’s great soul and grant the good 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.”
Senate President David Mark also described Bayero’s death as a monumental loss to the nation.
Mark stated this in a statement in Abuja by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Paul Mumeh.
He said the late monarch was a great asset who would be missed by all in many respects.
Mark said that the monarch died at a time when his wise counsel would have been needed to navigate through the nation’s trying times.
“He was a detribalised leader who made the nation his constituency,” Mark 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.
“His contributions to the peace and unity of Nigeria cannot be wished away,” he added.
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