In an exclusive interview with punch news paper, Zainab Ado Bayero, daughter of the late Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero, opens up about the emotional and financial hardships her family has faced since her father’s death in 2014. Despite being born into royalty, Zainab reveals the stark contrast between public perception and the harsh realities of life without her father.
Zainab Ado Bayero, a filmmaker, shared fond memories of her father, describing him as a kind and charismatic leader who deeply cared about his people and Nigeria. “He believed in unity and loved his people. His death left a great void in the kingdom of Kano and in my heart,” she said. Recalling the day of his passing, Zainab spoke of the shock and heartbreak she felt, a pain that lingers nearly ten years later. Her father, the 13th Emir of Kano, passed away on June 6, 2014.
Reflecting on their special bond, Zainab said, “My father had a presence that was unforgettable. Even if he hadn’t been an Emir, he would have been a natural leader.” She credits his strict upbringing for preparing her for life, though she admits it has been difficult navigating life without him.
Since the Emir’s death, Zainab and her family have faced numerous challenges, including being sidelined from her father’s estate. “In polygamous families, things can become very complicated when the head of the family passes away,” she explained. “Instead of everyone uniting, it often turns into a struggle, where the strongest or eldest take control, leaving others out.” Despite her father’s wealth and influence, Zainab revealed that she, her mother, and younger brother were left with almost nothing.
The family’s financial struggles have been compounded by Zainab’s inability to continue her education. “I attended Samadi secondary school in Kano and couldn’t continue my education after my father’s death,” she said, lamenting that her dreams of becoming a lawyer were cut short. Her younger brother, who aspires to become an engineer, has also been unable to return to school due to financial constraints.
One of Zainab’s greatest frustrations has been the lack of support from those who once admired her father. As a filmmaker, she has been working on a documentary to honour her father’s legacy, but the project has stalled due to a lack of funding. “I expected that those who loved and admired him—other emirs, the Sultan, and dignitaries—would support the project. But I haven’t received the kind of backing I expected,” she said, adding that being a woman in a patriarchal society may have contributed to the lack of support.
Despite these challenges, Zainab remains determined to share her father’s story with the world. “This documentary will preserve his legacy and history for future generations,” she emphasized, appealing for financial backing to bring the project to a global audience.
The family’s financial woes have also led to housing insecurity. Zainab revealed that she, her mother, and brother are currently living in Lagos, but are at risk of eviction. “We are at risk of facing eviction again because we can’t afford the rent, and this has been our reality for quite some time,” she said.
As the daughter of a revered leader, Zainab’s story sheds light on the complexities of life in a polygamous royal family and the harsh realities of navigating a patriarchal system without financial or social power. Despite the many hardships she has faced, Zainab remains committed to preserving her father’s legacy, even as she continues to fight for survival.
