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Princess Zainab Jummai Ado Bayero, a filmmaker and the daughter of the late Alhaji Ado Bayero, the 13th Emir of Kano has been in the news in recent weeks for issues bordering on accommodation crisis, a documentary she did on her late father and the need to assist in the education of her brother. In this interview with YEJIDE GBENGA-OGUNDARE, she speaks on why she is different from the average Muslim lady, the challenges she is facing in producing a documentary on her father, her traumatic experience and why she is begging the public for help among other issues.
How will you describe life as the daughter of the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero?
As a daughter of one of the most iconic and powerful men in the history of this great country, it’s a burden. Sometimes, it can be very difficult to navigate life as a daughter of such an icon. But I love and admire my late dad but I will say it’s difficult sometimes to be normal or truly be yourself because of certain expectations from people and society; so it’s quite complicated.
What do you do for a living and what’s the project about your late dad about?
I’m a first-time filmmaker, I wrote, produced and directed a documentary about my late dad’s life and times as one of the most revered and influential monarchs in the history of Nigeria. It is a daughter’s portrait of her dad; talking about who my father is, telling his story and what he stood for as an Emir that ruled for 50 years. It is to inform, educate and entertain people.
As a Muslim woman from a conservative society, will you say it is easy to embark on such a project?
No, it’s been incredibly challenging, especially due to the fact that I’m a very modern woman who believes in western ideals such as feminism and freedom of expression and embracing your individuality and uniqueness. And this does not align with the values of a conservative society.
What challenges have you faced producing and directing a project about your dad?
It’s been such a challenge from the inception of writing the script, producing, getting the materials and the post production. And the greatest challenge is getting it to the global streaming platforms, which I haven’t been able to do due to the politics in the industry and as a first time female Muslim royal filmmaker. I have been really discouraged by lots of people that my project isn’t good enough. But I believe in my abilities and my father’s story.
How is your immediate community taking the project, do you get the support you need?
The community, meaning Kano; well, I haven’t been to Kano since I was done shooting. But from social media posts, it’s been very negative. But I want to believe that maybe some people do appreciate my project and what I’m trying to achieve with this, which is preserving my father’s legacy.
Is there a reason for some people who are not supporting the project?
Well, I can’t say authoritatively but I guess it is because I’m challenging the norms of the society and its expectations by just being myself which is a girl comfortable in jeans, a t-shirt or a skirt, and braids. I am not just what they expect or are used to.
To some, you are not living in the manner expected of a northern Muslim woman; in terms of dressing and speaking publicly, what do you have to say about this?
Like I said, the world is changing. We can’t all be expected to live life the same way. In every society, since the beginning of time, there are people who choose not to conform but live freely. And I am one of those, I just prefer being true to myself. And that is a problem for many.
You have been in the news recently on issues bordering on accommodation for your family, what exactly is the situation?
Well, since my dad’s demise ten years ago, life took a drastic turn, we have been trying so hard to get a home but it’s not been easy. We have tried to get assistance from my dad’s family and my dad’s friends but it’s been hell. Right now, we have nowhere to stay and it is dangerous. It’s hard to believe that the children of such a great man are homeless, but it’s the unfortunate reality. We aren’t safe, people might believe I’m sketchy but it’s really complicated. We aren’t safe in Kano if we go there and even in Kano, we have no home because they denied us any access to my dad’s properties.
You have a sibling, what is he doing and how are the two of you working to keep your finances together?
My junior brother is still young; ever since my dad’s demise he’s been out of school and this has been for years. He was in junior high-school when he died and it’s really unfortunate. I have been trying to get him back but I’m not able to make money from my project and the lack of a stable home and lifestyle makes it difficult.
Aside your brother from your mother side, do you have elder siblings?
I have half brothers but my brother and I are the only kids of my mom.
What is your relationship with them and why didn’t you reach out to them for help?
Before my dad’s death we had a cordial and close relationship but ever since my dad’s death, they have completed changed.
How about your father’s associates?
Several people who were close friends or admirers of my father that we have approached to help us get a home and assistance to be independent all go back to my father’s sons to ask for their permission and I guess they have told them not to help us. They paint a negative picture and portray us in a bad light and I guess they feel they are in a better position so we don’t matter and so we don’t deserve help.
What are your plans now with the threat of eviction dangling too close?
Yes, by Monday we have nowhere to go. I don’t know what to do but it’s so scary. Nigeria is so dangerous these days. And we are also living in fear from the wrath of my father’s sons so I don’t know where we are going to go and no one wants to save us; I expected the Sultan of Sokoto, Aminu Dantata will help … I can only imagine what my father would feel with the pain we are going through. I’m sure he never imagined his sons would abandon his younger kids and that his friends wouldn’t save them from his sons.
How has seeking help from the public helped?
Well, people have judged me saying I’m lazy or why am I begging. I’m not begging because I’m lazy, I’m only trying to survive. Prince Harry went to America and Tyler Perry offered him a home not because he was begging but he needed help. It’s part of being human. My mom has also helped people in the past, she’s shown kindness to men and women but now we are in a dangerous situation and people judge that way; like why should we seek help that we don’t deserve it because we are royals. Royals or not, everyone needs help, sometimes especially when you are so hated by the very people that should love and protect you. Sometimes family isn’t always about blood.
Is there any backlash to your seeking help from the public?
Yes, lots of backlash, particularly in the last month. I have been attacked by the north on YouTube, tik tok, Facebook, called all sorts of names, even my mom is being judged. It’s been so emotionally draining I think that’s a conversation I would really like to talk about more, social media bullying and how it affects mental health. It has really taken a toll on me I had sleepless nights and I felt very weak and sick physically but the emotional trauma was really difficult.
Can’t your mother’s family help?
My mom’s dad and uncles have passed on, she is virtually alone with no one to call on.
How has this situation affected your mother, brother and you generally?
It has been really difficult for us, my brother is trying to be strong as well as my mom. My mom doesn’t need this either, not at this stage, it can affect her health that’s why I’m doing this. I’m not lazy; I’m just not given the tools and encouragement I need to survive. So I really need this situation to be resolved. I will once more call on all my father’s friends and people who admired him to do this for his memory, to save his children because he’s not here to do that. The President as a father and a father of Nigeria should look into this and hear our side of the story because I keep speaking out.
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