Bianca Ojukwu Shares Death Pact Between Ojukwu and Late Emir of Kano as She Marks His Memorial

On Wednesday, November 26, 2025, Bianca Ojukwu, widow of the late Biafran leader Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, took to her official X handle to mark the anniversary of her husband’s passing, sharing a touching story about a pact he once made with the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero.

Bianca recounted how her husband and the Emir, who shared a special friendship, had jokingly agreed that if one of them died first, the survivor would appear at the funeral to call the departed by name, an act to confirm the reality of death.

The story, once dismissed as lighthearted, became profoundly real when Emir Bayero visited Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s residence on the morning of his funeral. Accompanied by Prince Arthur Eze and Chief Austin Ndigwe, the Emir approached the late leader lying in state, softly called out “Emeka,” and, overwhelmed by grief, quietly withdrew.

Bianca reflected on the significance of the moment, noting that such friendships exemplified the ideals of loyalty and honour, transcending tribe and creed. She also highlighted Emir Bayero’s presence during the funeral, before his own passing in 2014 as the longest-reigning Emir in Kano’s history.

“On this anniversary of the death of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the trumpets are raised in tribute to this poignant demonstration of the promise and potentials that this nation can hold,” she wrote.