How Kano Prince Became Social Media Star

Isa Sanusi Bayero, popularly known as Isa Pilot, a member of the Kano royal family and former Principal Private Secretary to the 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has unexpectedly gone viral across social media platforms.

Once a key figure within the Kano Emirate Council, Isa Pilot has returned to public attention—not through palace activities, but through trending videos and photos circulating on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.

The videos, which show him in traditional attire, are often accompanied by songs from Kano-based singer Aminu Ladan Abubakar (Alan Waka), further increasing their reach.

Isa Pilot, a trained pilot and protocol officer, is the son of the late Sir Muhammadu Sanusi I, Emir of Kano from 1954 to 1963, and the grandson of Emir Abdullahi Bayero.

He served in the palace for decades as the personal secretary to the late Emir Ado Bayero and later held the same role under Emir Sanusi II, before stepping down in 2017.

His appearance online has sparked reactions from various groups.

Commenting on the trend, Kano-based social commentator Adamu Muhammad Galadanci said, “The viral spread of Isa Pilot’s images and videos shows how nostalgia and history blend with modern digital culture. Some people see Isa Pilot as one of the central figures in the Kano Emirate crisis. That’s why they view him as a hero, especially those who support Emir Aminu Ado Bayero. Meanwhile, supporters of Muhammad Sanusi II see Isa as an enemy and someone who betrayed the palace.”

In 2017, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II reportedly dismissed Isa Pilot over allegations of leaking palace information.

A palace source alleged that Isa Pilot was responsible for leaking details that contributed to a then-suspended investigation into the emirate’s finances by the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, and later by the Kano State House of Assembly.

Responding to media reports about his dismissal, Isa Pilot said he was surprised by claims that he was sacked, stating that he left the position voluntarily.

“People should first understand that I was not part of the emirate staff. I also refused to accept a salary from the emirate council. As a pilot, I flew five former Nigerian presidents. I had my businesses long before this emir was appointed,” he said.

Explaining why he stepped down, Mr. Bayero said he disagreed with the emir’s decision to apologize after initially insisting he would not.

“As I said, nobody sacked me or asked me to leave. I left based on principle because the emir was undermining the throne.

Initially, he insisted he would not apologize, but then he changed his stance and apologized to those he had previously insulted.

He was doing things that were not befitting of an emir and had reduced the public’s respect for the institution. We tried to correct him, but he wouldn’t listen.”

Isa Pilot has not publicly commented on the viral content, but many online users see the widespread sharing of his images as both a reflection of his role in the Kano emirate tussles and his past influence.

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