Ado Bayero; 13th Fulani paramount traditional ruler of the Kano emirate for 51 years. Over the years of his reign, Bayero became an institution of sorts whose counseling and advocacy are treated with attention. It is said no governor of Kano State succeeds without his support and who was to be an exception, the first elected Governor of the state, Abubakar Rimi, engaged the Emir unsuccessfully in a political feud. Rimi apologized when his actions were met with stiff opposition. Beyond the State level, Ado Bayero, a retired Diplomat, was a close ally to all Nigerian Heads of State from 1963 when he became the Emir. His wealth which goes beyond the shores of Nigeria, saw him investing in several blue-chip companies and engaging in large scale farming. Ado Bayero was a former Ambassador to Senegal[i].
Born 15 June, 1932 in Kano Ado Bayero was educated at the Zaria Clerical Training College, now Institute of Administration, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He was appointed Nigeria’s ambassador to Senegal in 1962, and later turbaned Emir of Kano October 15, 1963. He was also pro-chancellor, University of Nigeria, Nsukka[ii], Chancellor of the University of Ibadan[iii]. Following the alleged coup plot of 1995, Ado Bayero led traditional rulers from the northern states to negotiate with the government asking that the death sentences be commuted to create an enabling environment for national reconciliation[iv].
[i] City People 15 December, 2004
[ii] Newswatch 25 July, 2011
[iii] Tell 20 October, 2003
[iv] Newswatch 31 July, 1995
