Waves have been made about the recent reinstatement of Sanusi Lamido as the Emir of Kano State, four years after his dethronement. Celebratory messages have been in circulation since the announcement of Sanusi’s reinstatement. Although, these news would have adverse effects on some others, yet, Sanusi as a man of the people has gotten the nation talking.

Sanusi was born into royalty as his grandfather, Muhammadu Sanusi I, was the 11th Emir of Kano, setting a powerful precedent in the family. He began his professional journey in academics but quickly transitioned into the world of banking. He made his first mark as the CEO of First Bank of Nigeria, before he was appointed as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN): The Apex Bank in 2009

Sanusi’s integrity became prominent during his tenure as CBN Governor which was marked by bold reforms and outspoken advocacy against corruption. He was instrumental in stabilizing Nigeria’s banking sector during the global financial crisis. His most notable act was exposing a $20 billion fraud in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in 2014, a revelation that placed him at odds with powerful political figures.

He was also credited with leading the Nigerian banks’ reform, which has helped restore some accountability, sanity, and confidence in the nation’s banking sector. In 2011, he was named central bank governor of the year by London-based The Banker magazine, aside other national and international awards. As expected in Nigeria’s power sphere, Sanusi’s integrity pitched him against powerful people.

After his tenure as CBN’s governor, in June 2014, Lamido Sanusi ascended the throne as the 14th Emir of Kano, in June, 2014. As Emir, a conveyor of tradition and development of his people, Sanusi championed social and economic reforms, advocating for education, women’s rights, and economic empowerment. Due to his eliteness and worldwide exposure, his progressive views often clashed with conservative elements within the traditional hierarchy and political establishment.
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Sanusi’s tenure as Emir was marked with fierce tension, particularly with the Kano State Government led by Governor Abdullahi Ganduje. Their relationship went sour over Sanusi’s criticisms of government policies and his anti-corruption stance. His grandfather Sanusi I aso fought for the development of Kano state before his resignation in 1963 due to the same political interference. Despite the fate that befell his grandfather, Sanusi Lamido stood against every political act that doesn’t suit the people of Kano, putting him directly against prominent political figures.

According to Vanguard, in 2017, at the Mo Ibrahim governance weekend, Sanusi had said in Morocco, that governors want traditional rulers to fight violence but not question their inaction, which caused violence in the first place. In the video, Sanusi said some “three to five million children are out of school” yet the northern governor still goes to China to get a $2bn loan to build light rails, instead of schools.

In March 2020, following a series of political and legal processes, Sanusi was deposed by the Kano State Government. The official reasons cited for his removal included alleged “insubordination” and other charges seen by many as politically motivated.

Kano State Government under Governor Ganduje’s administration was the primary force behind the dethronement of Sanusi II. Sanusi II has been publicly vocal about his displeasure about the administration’s stance on development and openly criticise the governor, getting international attention due to the fact that he is an international figure. The Governor’s displeasure with Sanusi’s outspoken nature and reformist agenda led to multiple probes and an eventual decision to depose him.

After his dethronement, Sanusi was forcefully removed from Kano and exiled to Nasarawa State. Many people spoke about the unjust act meted out to the Emir and stood by him. Even the former president Olusegun Obasanjo had written personally to the deposed Emir. The former president spoke of how Sanusi’s dethronement was undeserved and wished him the courage to be able to overcome the incident.

In the stead of fighting for the throne, Sanusi had only fought for his right after being banished. He challenged the legality of his banishment in court, arguing that it violated his constitutional rights. In November 2020, the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled in his favor, declaring his exile illegal and awarding him damages. This legal victory showed the triumph of justice and truth over political machinations.

Four years later, Lamido Sanusi’s is making headlines again after being reinstated by the state governor, Abba Yussuf. The governor said he had done this for the best interest of the state and the people of Kano, showcasing that all the allegations against him by the previous governor were far from the truth. Despite the numerous efforts to silence and discredit him, Sanusi’s unwavering commitment to truth and justice prevailed.

Sanusi Lamido’s story shows that no matter the years that lie supersedes, only the truth lasts forever. And he remains a beacon of hope to Nigerians, that there are still many powerful Nigeria leaders who still have the people’s best interest at heart.

Maxwell Adeyemi Adeleye, a Communication-for-Development and Strategic Communications Expert, sent this piece from London, United Kingdom. He can be reached via maxwelladeleye@gmail.com