BY BISI MUHAMMAD / IMAGES BY FEMI ADESINA

It was unquestionably the biggest celebrity event West Africa has seen so far this year, as guests flew in from all over Nigeria and from other countries to attend the event yesterday, Friday.

The runway of Kano airport was inundated yesterday by no fewer than 50 private jets, as members of the Nigerian elite came by the thousands to attend the glamourous wedding of Yusuf Buhari, a son of Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari, and Zahra Nasir Bayero, daughter of the Emir (traditional leader) of Bichi, a town in the northern state of Kano. The guests included politicians cutting across the political spectrum and scores of Nigerian traditional and religious leaders. The event, which was held at the Emir’s palace, was also attended by several high-profile foreign guests, including the first lady of The Gambia, Fatoumata Bah Barrow, and the former president of neighbouring Niger, Muhammadu Issoufou. A huge crowd of uninvited locals were at the periphery to have a piece of the action.

The newlywed met while studying at the University of Surrey in the UK. In-keeping with the local tradition, the groom’s family paid a bride price (known also as dowry) of 500,000 nairas, the equivalent of $1,200—which is way higher than the usual amount.

Facebook buzzed with controversy about the bride, as some Nigerians were shocked by her pre-wedding dress that showed her exposed shoulders, calling it “immoral.” Others quickly jumped to her defense. The ceremony was conducted by a member of President Buhari’s cabinet who boasts all the attributes of an iman, Communications Minister Isa Ali Pantami.

The event was held amid heavy security, with military and police officers stationed at nearby strategic locations. The size of the guests was scaled down due the pandemic, as Nigeria is experiencing a new surge. The majority of the guests were wearing masks.