Hajiya Maryam Ado Bayaro popularly known as Mai Babban Daki passed on to higher glory on the 24th of April 2021.
She was a wife to former Emir of Kano Ado Bayero, a mother to current Emir Aminu Ado Bayaro, a mother to current Emir of Bichi Province Nasir Ado Bayero. May Her Soul Rest In Peace.
She was a princess, a queen, mother of a queen and mother of two kings in Kano. Hajiya maryam Ado bayaro is a daughter to Sarkin Illori Zuilkarnani Gambari, son of King Illori Shuaibu Bawa, son King Illori Zubairu, son of king Illori Abdulsalami son of Shehu Salihi Alimi (Bafulatani) with the flag of Shehu Danfodio and sister to the mother of the current King of Ilorin.
Late Maryam Ado Bayero (Mai Babban Daki) is the mother of the emirs of Kano and Bichi respectively.
I first met her sometime in 2010 when i visited my friend the current Emir of kano Alh. Aminu Ado Bayero who was then the sarkin dawakin tsarkar gida. What struck me was her humility,gentle and calm spirit ,her hospitality. Actually if you do not know, you will hardly say she was a royal by both sides of her blood.
When i first bowed down to greet her in accordance with tradition, her gentle voice echoed into my ears, “my son have a seat” she said, but i was contemplating on whether to seat next to such a wonderful person, however her simplicity and hospitality was so outstanding that i became quite relaxed ,as she continued talking to me as if she was talking to Emir Aminu.
Late Hajiya Maryam was like a mother to me ever since we met, subsequently i couldn’t even consider myself a guest before her. On many occasions i visited kano, i usually met her first before Aminu because i really enjoyed her company and kind words of advice and encouragement, she always used to say, “you people should treat your subject with respect and ensure equal justice”, this is in fact what i’m now seeing in his Highness Emir Alhaji Aminu.
I was away on a business trip when i received the shocking news of mama’s death, even though i knew she was sick. I almost collapsed as i burst into tears because i honestly knew that this loss was also for me, but then queen mother’s time had come and there was nothing humanly possible anyone could do about it ,except to pray for her gentle soul.
She was indeed successful and lived a fulfilled life. A Princess, Queen, Queen Mother and Mother of kings, she is the only one i see in history that had all four!
May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace.
CHUKWUNONSO NWOBI FROM LAGOS
