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| Sunusi Lamido Sunusi |
Say: “O Allah! Sovereign of all dominion, You grant power to whom You will, and strip power from whom You will; You honor whom You will and humble whom You will. In Your hand is all good. Indeed, You are over all things competent.” – Quran 2:26
“And they plot, but Allah also plans, and Allah is the best of planners.” - Quran 3:54
On June 9, 2014, the late Sam Nda-Isiah penned an article in Leadership Newspaper, extending congratulations to Sanusi Lamido Sanusi on his rise to the throne as Emir of Kano. The article, which gained widespread attention, narrated Sanusi's journey from becoming the first Northerner to serve as MD of First Bank, through the tumultuous times with President Jonathan as CBN governor, to his eventual selection as the successor of the late Ado Bayero.
I'm quite sure that newspaper is still tucked away somewhere by my mother.
The article was lauded for several reasons: a) People naturally empathize with the underdog. When HRH SLS was abruptly dismissed as CBN governor for not conforming and exposing a $20b discrepancy, he garnered widespread sympathy. His ascension to the throne was seen as a triumphant return, or as my Hausa folks would say, a proverbial dust-kicking in Jonathan’s face. b) His bold aspirations. A young man with grand dreams - Bank MD, CBN governor, and King of Kano - and their realization is the stuff of Hollywood tales. c) The Midas touch of SLS. To say he is beloved is an understatement. Since the start of the week, social media and mainstream outlets have been flooded with his footage. I know of individuals who have unwaveringly championed his cause since 2020.
March 9, 2020, in the midst of the COVID pandemic, saw Governor Ganduje's orchestration of HRH Sarki Sanusi II's dethronement due to multiple conflicts. That day's gloomy atmosphere across Nigeria is unforgettable. It wasn't just our affection for the king that was jolted, but the sheer injustice of it all. The abrupt dethronement of an entire Emir over what seemed like a clash of egos was shocking. What was the term again? Ah, yes! 'Insubordination and political interference'.
What of the throne's sanctity? Or the respect for authority? Traditional rulers nationwide were left anxious and sleepless. If Sanusi, with his stature, could be ousted, what did it mean for them? This act of immaturity, injustice, and cruelty was widely condemned, endearing him even more to everyone, foes included. This, coupled with his exile to a village in Nasarawa. The world watched as he was escorted from the Palace and taken to Nassarawa by his close ally, Nasir El-rufai.
Traditional institutions and figures are typically conservative, tasked with preserving cultural norms and customs. Yet, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, a distinguished banker and the 57th Emir of Kano State, Nigeria, set out to do the opposite. His reign was largely spent championing cultural reforms in Northern Nigeria.
His Royal Highness is often described with many adjectives: Charming, eloquent, brilliant, to name a few. However, quietness and docility are not among them. He has consistently challenged government officials and policies, landing him in hot water more often than not.
Sanusi is the epitome of a rebel, a characteristic apparent in nearly every role he has assumed. As the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), he removed top bank CEOs for malpractice and later emerged as a vocal critic of government policies and a whistleblower, leading to his eventual dismissal.
Upon becoming King, he traded the corporate attire for a turban and royal garb, assuming the role of one of the most senior Islamic figures in the country and the ruler of a traditionally conservative city. As Emir, he confronted age-old practices head-on. To activists, he was a trailblazer for societal change. Critics, however, labeled him a hypocrite, an alleged progressive who enjoyed the perks of conservatism while shirking its responsibilities as the custodian of Kano's customs.
Sanusi's removal from power echoed a historical pattern, mirroring the fate of his grandfather, Muhammadu Sanusi I, who was deposed as the 11th emir of Kano 57 years prior by the then northern Nigeria regional government led by Ahmadu Bello, the late Sardauna of Sokoto.
Sanusi I succeeded Abdullahi Bayero, the 10th emir of Kano, who passed away on December 23, 1953. Before becoming emir, he served as a senior councilor within the emirate council, managing the emirate's administration as the sole native authority for over a decade. As emir, he played pivotal roles in the state's elite restructuring and was key in forming the Northern Peoples Congress (NPC), integrating many groups into the NPC. Like his grandson, Sanusi I was charismatic, politically astute, and influential in the northern region, always standing against injustice and oppression.
The apple indeed does not fall far from the tree.
However, his influence eventually bred resentment among senior NPC members in Kaduna. (Does this sound familiar?) This led to a commission of inquiry into the finances of the Kano native authority under Sanusi. A probe panel was established, and testimonies were given before D. J. M. Muffet, the sole commissioner. The panel's findings led to the recommendation for the emir's resignation, which the regional government enforced, prompting Sanusi I to resign to Kashim Ibrahim, the then governor of the northern region, on March 28, 1963.
And so, history was made.
Delving into the emir's lineage provided deep insight into Sanusi's determination to return. Here stood a man eligible for any political role, yet when asked about running for the presidency of Nigeria, he expressed a preference for the Emirate of Kano - to honor his grandfather's legacy.
When Sam Nda-Isaih wrote about Sanusi's ascension, no one could have predicted his eventual dethronement. His removal left progressives nationwide disheartened. Yet, the thought of his return was beyond imagination. The reinstatement of the King yesterday is a historic event - a king's return is unprecedented. If only the late media mogul, Nda Isiah, were here to witness it. He would have crafted an extraordinary article!
Your Royal Highness, may your reign be prosperous and enduring. Our King has returned!
Ran sarki ya dade!
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