The death of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, has been described as a sad loss and the departure of one of the builders of the modern Nigerian nation.
The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress and former Governor of Lagos State, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said the demise of the Emir draws the curtain on one of the most peaceful and most progressive Emirship in the North and Nigeria at large.
Tinub said: “The death of His Royal Highness Ado Bayero saddens the mind. However, he was first among equals and his long reign on the throne validates him as a powerful yet compassionate king, who was in tune with the needs and aspirations of his people . I join millions of Kano citizens and Nigerians to mourn the departure of one of the greats. His wise counsel in times of peace and national upheavals will be missed. He was the poster -Emir for what is good, noble and progressive. He was a respected religious leader who used religion as a tool to foster peace and harmony.”
Continuing, Tinubu said the Emir left behind a legacy of peace and development in Kano and his influence reached beyond Kano to the Northern parts, the whole of Nigeria and globally.
He said: “Such was his power and influence that he was sought after. The custodian of cultural and traditional values of his people who served as an authentic voice.”
Tinubu recalled his last visit to the Emir Ado Bayero in Kano sometime in March 2013, not long after he survived a brutal attack on his convoy by suspected Boko Haram insurgents. He added: “Despite the very sad incident the Emir was still in good but solemn spirit as he expressed hope that Nigeria will overcome her present challenges under good leadership and that the unity of Nigeria will remain intact.”
Tinubu added that he believes other Emirs and Obas must continue to play that critical role of mediator in times of conflicts and promoters of peace, harmony and a religiously tolerant society.
He said: “It is to our traditional rulers that we must now even look up to in tackling the Boko Haram issue and the larger problems of insecurity. Their wise counsel from the North, West, South and East can help build a critical mass of support for dynamic government initiatives,”
Tinubu prayed for the Emirs family reminding them that the whole of Nigeria mourns with them.
The Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has described the death of Bayero as a huge loss to Nigeria.
In a statement by the Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Semiu Okanlawon, Aregbesola said the news of the demise of one the most prominent traditional rulers in the country was shocking and sad.
The governor said the nation lost the influential Emir at its critical socio-political challenges.
He said that Ado Bayero’s death will leave a huge gap in the political, social, security and religious affairs of the nation.
The statement reads 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 whole.
“The wisdom, experience and vast influence of the Emir will be missed as the nation searches for permanent solutions to insecurity, religious and socio-political upheavals it currently battles with.
“Ado Bayero will be remembered as one of the strongest and influential emirs in the history of the country.
“During his life, he demonstrated an uncommon will and love for peace and religious harmony among ethnic groups and religious organisations in his domain.
“Besides, the later Emir had always constantly identified with traditional rulers from other parts of the country to ensure that there is peace and religious tolerance among ethnic nationalities in the country wherever they may be residing.
“I have no doubt that we are going to miss this eminent leader greatly. On behalf of myself, the state and entire people of Osun, we extend our heart-felt condolences to the family- immediate and extended- of the late Emir and, especially his intimate friend, His Royal Majesty, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, the Ooni of Ife, Kano State Government and the entire people of the ancient commercial city.
“May Allah Grant the deceased aljana firdaus.”
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