The Emir of Kano Aminu Bayero was conspicuously absent at the well-attended wedding Fatiha of the daughter of his brother, Nasiru Bayero, held in Bichi town, some 45 kilometres away from the state capital.
Yusuf Buhari, the son of President Muhammadu Buhari, tied the knot with Zahra Nasiru Bayero at Bichi town, Kano on Friday.
But the absence of Emir of Kano at the grand event has sent tongues wagging in many quarters, with many wondering why he shunned the event despite the family ties.
Sources told DAILY NIGERIAN that the Emir of Kano had requested the father of the bride, who is his immediate younger brother, to let the wedding take place in Kano, but the Bichi emir turned down the request and insisted on taking the event to his “domain”.
Although the Emir of Bichi occasionally holds court in Bichi town, he, however, resides with his entire family in the city of Kano.
Speaking with DAILY NIGERIAN over the emir absence, Magaji Galadima, who holds the title of Kachallan Kano, said there is no cause for concern over Mr Bayero’s absence.
According to him, emirs traditionally don’t attend weddings, even if their sons or daughters are involved.
“It is a long-standing palace tradition that disallows emirs to attend weddings. There are absolutely no ill feelings among the two emirs. His Highness, the Emir of Kano is simply respecting that tradition.
“Well, due to changes in our society today, some emirs break this tradition for political expediency, filial attachment or any other reason they deem important,” Mr Galadima said.
He noted that the Emir of Kano will attend the coronation of his brother scheduled to take place on Saturday.
“To further tell you that there is absolutely no hostility between them, His Highness will attend the coronation of His Highness the Emir of Bichi tomorrow. This is because the tradition allows emirs to attend coronations.
“If you could remember, former Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II was absent at his daughter’s wedding despite the fact that it took place at the palace. What he only did was to host some guests at his library shortly after the wedding,” Mr Galadima added.
The wedding was attended by President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, serving and former governors, traditional rulers, as well as prominent personalities from within and outside the country