Thousands of well-wishers yesterday trooped to the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) to receive the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, who returned to the country after a medical trip to London.
Rumour of the emir’s death while in London had generated much tension in the city and the emirate council decided to organise a rousing welcome for his return.
The emir, who was rumoured to have died while undergoing medical check-up, returned via MAKIA? shortly after 7pm amidst cheers and jubilations looking hale and hearty.
The emir was welcomed with traditional royal music and songs as numerous well-wishers thronged the tarmac to catch a glimpse of the returning monarch.
Kingmakers and other emirate officials along with the Kano State Government officials, comprising of the Special Adviser to the Governor, Alhaji Tijjai Mailafiya Sanka, and the commissioner for local government affairs were on hand to receive the emir.
The emir’s son and Sarkin Dawakin Tsakar Gida, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, had earlier told journalists that the emirate had received with dismay the rumour about the emir’s death as circulated in social networking internet sites.
“As Muslims we have the belief that one day the emir would die, but it was surprising how some people just spread the rumour of his death on Facebook. It is really surprising, Alhaji Aminu said.