Zainab Bayero, daughter of the late Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero, has taken to social media to share a heartbreaking account of her family’s plight, claiming they are stranded and without shelter in Lagos.
In an emotional video circulating online, Zainab, visibly distressed, revealed that she, her mother, and her younger brother have been struggling to survive since the passing of her father in June 2014.
The late Ado Bayero, who served as Emir of Kano for over 50 years, passed away on June 6, 2014, but Zainab alleged that his death left her family without financial security or a home.
“This is me, daughter of the Emir of Kano on the street of Lagos, unsafe, stranded. No one cares if I live or die. No one owes me anything. That is fine, but at least I deserve to feel safe, protected,” Zainab said in the video.
She further lamented that her father’s legacy did not provide her with education or stability. “My father left me with nothing — no education and no home. I’ve tried to survive… I can’t go on anymore. This is what they’ve turned me into; they’ve turned me into an urchin, a girl who had so many dreams.”
Zainab also revealed that the burden of caring for her mother and younger brother has become unbearable, stating, “The burden is too much on me. My mum and my junior brother depend on me. I don’t have any means to keep providing for them. That is why I ran away.”
She expressed her frustration over the lack of meaningful assistance from influential figures she had reached out to, including the President, the Governor of Kano State, and Emir Sanusi.
“I’ve pleaded to care for a young woman who doesn’t want to be killed; who doesn’t want to die. But it’s obvious nobody cares if I live or die, and I want to end it because I can’t keep doing this,” she added.
This is not the first time Zainab has publicly appealed for help. Earlier this year, she spoke to media outlets about her dire circumstances. In June, the Kano State Government reportedly stepped in to settle rent on a Lagos apartment for her family after they faced eviction.
However, weeks later, Zainab sought further assistance through the media. There were allegations that she had squandered the financial aid provided by the Kano State Government, which she denied.
