Today, the ancient city of Kano marks a symbolic moment as its 15th Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero, clocks 64. But unlike past birthdays, this one comes with more than the usual fanfare. It arrives under the cloud of an unresolved royal tussle that has kept Kano’s traditional institution at the centre of political and legal storms for over a year. For Bayero, it is a birthday where his heritage has been tested, yet his spirit remains unbroken.
Born on August 21, 1961, Aminu Ado Bayero is no stranger to the weight of history. He is the second eldest son of the late Emir Ado Bayero, who sat on the revered throne for over half a century (1963–2014), earning his place as the longest-serving Emir in Kano’s history. His siblings include Sanusi Ado Bayero, the eldest, and Nasiru Ado Bayero, the Emir of Bichi.
From an early age, Aminu Bayero’s upbringing blended royal etiquette with a strong foundation in Islamic scholarship. He memorised the Qur’an and studied Islamic jurisprudence before moving into Western education. He attended Kofar Kudu Primary School and Government College, Birnin Kudu, before studying Mass Communication at Bayero University, Kano. His career path also took a modern turn — training in aviation at the Flying College, Oakland, California, and serving with the Nigeria Television Authority in Makurdi, Benue State during his NYSC. He later joined Kabo Air, where he rose from Public Relations Officer to flight engineer.
His journey within the emirate council reflected steady ascension through the ranks. In 1990, he was appointed Dan Majen Kano and District Head of Dala, then became Dan Buram Kano the same year. Two years later, he was made Turakin Kano, and in 2000, Sarkin Dawakin Tsakar Gida, a position that put him in charge of the Emirate Durbar Committee. By 2014, he was named Wamban Kano before being transferred to head Kano Municipal. His steady rise culminated in 2019 when he became the pioneer Emir of Bichi.
The decisive turn came in March 2020, when he was installed as the 15th Emir of Kano following the controversial deposition of his cousin, Muhammadu Sanusi II, by then-Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. In his short reign, Bayero championed cultural preservation, unity among diverse groups, and peaceful coexistence. His contributions to national development earned him a Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) in 2022, conferred by then-President Muhammadu Buhari.
But in May 2023, the pendulum swung again. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf reinstated Sanusi II, effectively dethroning Bayero after three years on the throne. That move sparked legal fireworks and political tension across the state. Bayero has since maintained a symbolic presence in Nasarawa mini-palace, appealing to citizens to remain calm as the matter drags on in court.
Despite court orders, arrest warrants, and intense political manoeuvres, the judiciary has insisted on his right to fair hearing, with portions of the amended emirate law that facilitated his dethronement already struck down. Still, the case remains unresolved, leaving Kano divided between loyalty to two royal figures.
As Aminu Ado Bayero marks his 64th birthday today, his story mirrors the delicate balance between royal heritage and the turbulence of politics in traditional leadership. It is a life that shows heritage tested and spirit unbroken — a reminder that in Kano, the throne is not just a symbol of culture, but also a stage where history and power constantly collide.
Garba Ubale Kankarofi writes from Kano.