My father’s death left us fighting for survival – Zainab Ado Bayero

Zainab Ado Bayero, daughter of the late Emir of Kano, bares it all in this interview with TEMITOPE ADETUNJI, detailing the emotional battles, financial struggles, stark reality of living in the shadow of royalty and recent efforts to preserve her father’s legacy through a documentary

What was your father like behind the throne and what are the fond memories you cherish?

I was born into royalty in Kano. I am a filmmaker and my first project, a documentary, focused on the life of my father, the late Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero, who was a true gentleman.

He was kind, charismatic, and deeply cared about his people and Nigeria as a whole.
He believed in unity and loved his people. His death left a great void in the kingdom of Kano and in my heart. I remember the day he passed away as if it were yesterday — 6 June 2014.

It was so sudden, and I was in shock. Although we know that one day everyone must go, you’re never truly prepared for it. His loss was heartbreaking, and I miss him dearly.

Did you share a special bond with your father?
My father had a presence that was unforgettable. When around him, you could feel his aura; he exuded confidence and charisma.

He was a man who commanded respect, and everyone, including myself, was in awe of him. Even if he hadn’t been an Emir, he would have been a natural leader. He was gentle yet strict.

He wanted the best for me and pushed me to be the best version of myself. At times, I didn’t understand his strictness, but now that I’m older, I realise he was preparing me for life.

He loved to read, and his library was always full of books. He was always up-to-date with the news and loved watching CNN, reading newspapers, and watching documentaries. That’s why I felt it was important to honour him with a documentary centred on his life.”

How has life been for you since he passed away?

It has been very difficult. He left a huge void in my life. When he died, everything changed — my life, my mother and younger brother’s life. It was a complete 360-degree shift.

The emotional bond and the security I felt with him were gone with his death. It hit me so hard to realise that he wouldn’t see me grow older or witness important milestones in my life.
On top of that, after his passing, we were sidelined and didn’t receive any part of his estate.

In polygamous families, things can become very complicated when the head of the family passes away. Instead of everyone uniting, it often turns into a struggle, where the strongest or eldest take control, leaving others out.

We were left with almost nothing, and it has been an ongoing challenge, even 10 years after.

I attended Samadi, a secondary school in Kano and couldn’t continue my education after my father’s death. So, I only hold an SSCE. I always dreamed of becoming a lawyer and was at the top of my class, but life had other plans.

Now, I just want my brother to return to school. He dreams of becoming an engineer, but right now, he’s missing out on that opportunity.

How do you feel about the events that unfolded after your father’s passing?

It’s something that isn’t talked about enough, especially in polygamous families. When great men pass away, instead of their families being cared for and united, it often turns into a matter of survival. The younger wives and children, like my mother, brother, and I, were left with little to nothing.
We live in a country where challenging the system is tough, especially when influential people are involved.

Despite being part of a royal family, after my father passed, we felt like outsiders. It’s been a hard journey, and I’ve experienced things I never thought I would.
You’ve mentioned facing many challenges after your father’s death. How has that impacted you personally?

Yes, I’ve faced significant hardships. My father was a wealthy and powerful man, but after his passing, I saw a very different side of life. Without his support, we struggled financially.

People often assumed we had everything, but that wasn’t the reality. Since my father’s death, I’ve had to rely on my own resilience. It hasn’t been easy—there have been times when we faced eviction, and my brother hasn’t been able to return to school.

That’s partly why I decided to pursue filmmaking. My mother and I used all our savings to start this documentary project. It’s a way to honour my father’s legacy while also finding a way to support ourselves. However, getting the support I was hoping for has been difficult.

Where were you staying when your father was alive?
We were living in one of the family homes in Kano. Before my father passed away, we were trying to secure our own home, but he was too ill to help us before he died. Now, we’re in a difficult situation, and it has been ongoing for over a decade.

Tell us more about the documentary project

Unfortunately, it hasn’t been launched yet. I’ve been working on it since last year, trying to get the support I need, but I haven’t received much help so far.

I want to get it on a global platform to honour my father’s memory. 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, and I believe part of it is because I’m a woman in a patriarchal society.

What kind of support do you need for the documentary?

I need financial backing to bring the project to a global audience. I want those who admired my father to join me in sharing his story with the world. It’s not just about the finances; this documentary will preserve his legacy and history for future generations.

We’re struggling right now, and it would be helpful if people, especially Nigerians, could assist in making this project a reality.
Have you tried taking any legal action to claim your rights as a member of the royal family?

Yes, my mother attempted to take legal action when my father first passed away, but it didn’t yield any results. Unfortunately, without power or resources, it’s tough to fight.

There are those with money who can bribe and oppress, so the only way for us to tell our story is by speaking up through the media.

Given that your father had multiple wives, I would expect that all family members should have access to his properties. Have you faced any difficulties because of the polygamous nature of the family?

Yes, in polygamous families, issues often become more pronounced, and we’re experiencing the consequences of that now.

However, we don’t want to depend solely on the family. If anyone can help us—help us survive and rebuild our lives. This would mean the world to us. We just want the opportunity to secure our future.

Looking back, do you have any regrets about how your life has turned out due to your family dynamics?
There have been moments when I felt deeply depressed. For years, I struggled with depression, questioning the purpose of everything.

So, where are you currently living?

We are currently in Lagos, living in an apartment with my mother and brother, but it’s not a permanent arrangement. 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.