When a president’s only surviving son marries the daughter of one of the country’s most prominent religious leaders, its set to be a grand affair.
So it’s no wonder no expense was spared for one of Nigeria’s biggest celebrity events last Friday – the wedding of President son, Yusuf, 27, to Zahra Ado Bayero, 19, the daughter of the Emir of Bichi.
Thousands attended the nuptials of with locals in the Abuja in the northern state of Kano reporting the air was filled with hundreds of private jets as West African dignitaries ‘filled up all the five star hotels in the area’.
The bride who met the groom at the University of Surrey, wore a traditional pink and white gown for the reception, while opting for a western-style white dress for the ceremony.
No expense was spared for one of Nigeria’s biggest celebrity events on Friday – the wedding of President Muhammadu Buhari’s son, Yusuf, 27, to Zarah Ado Bayero, 19, the daughter of the Emir of Bichi. Pictured getting married
Thousands attended the nuptials of with locals in the town in the northern state of Kano reporting the air was filled with hundreds of private jets as West African dignitaries ‘filled up all the five star hotels in the area’. Pictured during the ceremony
Take a bow! The bride’s dress featured a striking bow and long trail while the groom opted for traditional Nigerian dress for the big day
A wedding between presidential and royal families is ‘unprecedented in Nigeria’, according to the BBC, who also said the groom’s family paid 500,000 naira (£900) for the bride price, a traditional part of the Islamic marriage contract. 500,000 naira is about 10 times the average bride price in northern Nigeria.
Local media reports each guest was gifted the latest iPhone and iPad, with the newlyweds spending upwards of £100,000 on gifts alone.
Despite the grand nuptials, it’s understood the wedding was scaled back due to coronavirus pandemic, with heavy police and military security also guarding the Old Banquet Hall of the State House.
In the days before the wedding, the couple treated guests to a special Polo tournament while Zarah had a Frozen-themed bridal shower.
Communications Minister Isa Ali Pantami, a qualified imam, conducted the wedding.
Also in attendance was President Muhammadu Buhari’s predecessor, Goodluck Jonathan,Gambia’s First Lady Fatoumata Bah Barrow and the former president of neighbouring Niger, Muhammadu Issoufu, according to society bible Tatler.
A wedding between presidential and royal families is ‘unprecedented in Nigeria’. The bride and groom are pictured in a pre-wedding ceremony
Meanwhile, her new mother-in-law, Aisha Buhari, the first lady of Nigeria shared sweet photos of happy couples to Instagram writing: ‘All is set to welcome and receive our new daughter into the family.’
Taking to Instagram after the wedding. The first lady (centre) wrote: ‘On behalf of my family, I convey our sincere appreciation to all that contributed in making this event a success. We appreciate all our guests, relatives and friends and thank you all for your tremendous support and prayers. Wishing my children Yusuf and Zahra, a happy married life’
Following the wedding, the bride’s father Nasir Ado Bayero was crowned as the Emir of Bichi, while his brother is the Emir of Kano – one of the countries most prominent Islamic leaders. However the bride and groom didn’t attend this ceremony.
Meanwhile, her new mother-in-law, Aisha Buhari, the first lady of Nigeria shared sweet photos of happy couples to Instagram writing: ‘All is set to welcome and receive our new daughter into the family.’
Despite apparent joy in the shots, the lavish nuptials didn’t have a completely positive reaction in Kano – as some residents reacted furiously given the level of deprivation in the state.
Popular Islamic cleric, Sheikh Dr Ahmad Mahmud Gumi told local media: ‘People are facing all manner of problems, yet politicians spent public funds on private jets.’
‘Some people are in captivity in both the bush and cities. Hunger is everywhere’.