Sanusi: An Epitome of excellence and Social Justice
Once upon a time, there was an empire in Northern Nigeria. The kingdom was the largest and most populous of the emirates in Kano province. In recent times, the political powers of the emirate have waned and now get their relevance from cultural roots. Traditional leaders in Nigeria hold few constitutional powers but are able to exert significant influence as they are seen as custodians of both religion and tradition. The kano emirate though was immersed in controversy when the last emir, Muhammad Sanusi II was deposed.
According to some, he was deposed for showing “insubordination’’ to the authorities in the northern state of Kano. Mr. Sanusi, an ex-central bank chief, has had frosty relations with Kano Governor Abdullahi Ganduje since 2017. His supporters believe he was sacked for opposing Mr. Ganduje’s re-election last year. Nevertheless, the point of this article is not to revisit old stories. It is to celebrate a true king. One still revered as such even after his deposition.
The former Emir needs no introduction. Born into the Fulani royal family, Lamido Sanusi became governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria in 2009. TIME magazine named him in its list of influential people in 2011. In 2013, he was awarded a special award at the Global Islamic Finance Awards for his role in promoting Islamic banking and finance in Nigeria. He became the 14th Emir of Kano in 2014 and is the grandson of the 11th Emir.
I had the privilege of saying my prayers at the same mosque where he said his in the Lagos suburb of Ikoyi. Even sharing a mosque with him, you would know he was a simple man. He stands out in the room even without fancy royal robes. As we all walked out of the mosque at the end of the prayers, the only thing that stood him out from the crowd was the reverence a few people showed him as we all walked out together.
I have admired Sanusi Lamido Sanusi ever since I was in secondary school. Sanusi was seen as a reformist and had been critical of some government policies — a stance that frequently put him at loggerheads with ruling politicians reports the BBC’s Nigeria reporter Ishaq Khalid. This all played out during his time as the governor of the central bank of Nigeria. His whistle-blowing over $20bn (£12bn) allegedly missing from the state oil company caused a storm that led to his suspension by then President Goodluck Jonathan.
You could say I was starstruck tonight as I said hello to the man I have always admired as a mentor. Even if he has no idea I exist. At least, tonight, I can go to sleep knowing that I said Salaam (greetings of peace in Islam) to the man and he freaking replied to me! That’s all I need really. No pictures, no autographs, just the memory of a moment we both shared but I will surely always remember. I mean, if he invites me to his house to break my fast anytime soon that would not be a bad idea at all, you know!
Until then though, I will always be a staunch admirer of this man of honor and true valor. Never afraid to speak truth to power and stand up for what he believed was right. I know people say this a lot but I want to be like him when I grow up. I mean, who else do you know that rose to the peak of both their Professional and traditional careers. Who else?! Ain't nobody badder than.
It is for this reason that I write this tribute to my king. Regardless of title, the form they say is temporary, but class is permanent. Damn, the man has class. I could drool on and on about this great man but I'll just end this here. I’ll leave you to read about the man and watch his intelligent speeches. It is a shame that a region like the north lost this man as a leader. A true voice of his generation. My only wish is that he doesn't just go under the radar.
Dear, Sanusi. Speak truth to power. Let the leaders hear your voice and read your articles. Not because you need the attention of the limelight, but because the country needs your contributions and your example. I need your example because which other Nigerian would I strive to be like (besides myself of course). I love you, Sanusi, and hope to hear from you soon. Stay true, king.
