The King Is Back: Seven Notable Moments Of Sanusi Lamido

Muhammadu Sanusi II, the newly reinstated Emir and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria is a person whose life combines traditional authority with modern ideas.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State announced Sanusi’s appointment as the new Emir of Kano on Thursday. He made this announcement after signing the new emirate council law at the Government House in Kano.

The governor signed the law alongside his deputy, the Speaker of the State Assembly, and other key government officials.

Former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje removed Sanusi from the throne in 2020 due to a personal disagreement. Despite his dramatic removal in March 2020, Sanusi continued to be a prominent public figure.

Here are seven important moments in Sanusi’s life after leaving the throne:

1. Banishment to Loko

After being removed from the throne by the Kano State government, Sanusi was sent to Loko, a remote village in Nasarawa State, seen by many as a political punishment.

READ: Governor Yusuf Reinstates Sanusi Lamido As Emir Of Kano

Despite the tough conditions in Loko, Sanusi stayed calm, using the time to reflect and plan his next moves. Many Nigerians believed his banishment violated his basic rights, and eventually, a court ruled his detention illegal, freeing him.

2. Academic Pursuits at Oxford

After his release, Sanusi accepted a fellowship at the University of Oxford. He became a visiting scholar at the African Studies Centre of St. Antony’s College.

This role allowed him to participate in academic discussions, research, and lectures, strengthening his position as a thought leader beyond traditional roles.

3. Disputing ‘Former Emir’ Title

Sanusi insisted he should not be called the “former emir” after his dethronement. He argued that, according to Kano’s tradition, an emir remains an emir for life.

He made this clear in 2021 at a summit in Kaduna State when Muhammad Sani “Dattijo” Abdullahi, the Chief of Staff to then-Governor El-Rufai, referred to him as the “former Emir of Kano.” Sanusi publicly corrected Abdullahi, making it clear that he found the title unacceptable, showing that his pride was hurt by the label.

4. Mourning Herbert Wigwe

Sanusi showed his emotional side when he mourned the death of Herbert Wigwe, a close friend and former CEO of Access Bank.

In a heartfelt tribute, Sanusi called Wigwe a visionary leader and a brother, highlighting the significant impact Wigwe had on his life and the banking industry.

A clip of his speech, where he shed tears, went viral, showing a human side to the usually stern public figure.

5. Advocacy for Economic Reforms

After being dethroned, Sanusi spoke out about Nigeria’s economic policies, using his experience as a former Central Bank Governor.

He often criticized government policies and called for more sustainable economic reforms and better governance. Sanusi’s speeches and writings emphasized the need for transparency, accountability, and fighting corruption, keeping him a prominent voice in Nigeria’s economic discussions.

6. Role in the Kaduna Investment Promotion Agency

Sanusi’s dedication to economic development continued when he joined the board of the Kaduna Investment Promotion Agency (KADIPA).

In this role, he helped attract investments to Kaduna State, aiming to boost economic activities and create jobs.

7. Championing Girl Child Education

Sanusi, a long-time supporter of education, especially for girls, continued to advocate for this cause after leaving the throne.

He worked with various organizations to promote educational initiatives and empower young girls.

His efforts focused on overcoming barriers that prevent girls from accessing education, such as child marriage and cultural stigmas.