The 16th Emir of Kano and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Muhammadu Sanusi II, has urged Nigerians, especially young professionals and leaders, not to humiliate themselves in pursuit of positions of power. He highlighted that true resilience comes from faith in God and adherence to one’s principles rather than seeking favour from influential individuals.
Sanusi spoke during the Fola Adeola Annual Ramadan Lecture held on Sunday, where he reflected on his experiences after losing two of the most powerful positions he once held in public life. He served as the Governor of the CBN from 2009 to 2014 and was later installed as Emir of Kano. However, his journey has been marked by dramatic changes in fortune.
In 2020, Sanusi was dethroned as Emir of Kano by the administration of former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje. He was later reinstated in 2024 by the current Governor Abba Yusuf, returning to the throne after four years away from the emirate.
During his lecture, Sanusi explained that his calmness and resilience during these difficult periods were rooted in his faith in God. “Too often in our lives, we attribute things to human beings, but they are all created. Remembering that situations are not permanent, that Allah changes your circumstances, helps you cope and conduct yourself,” he said.
Sanusi stressed that many people wrongly believe their future depends entirely on influential individuals. He warned against the dangers of grovelling for favour, noting that this often leads to humiliation. “I’ve seen people who beg, cringe, and bow to human beings. They humiliate themselves because they feel this person is the one who holds the path to their position,” he said.
Drawing from his personal experiences, Sanusi illustrated how quickly fortunes can change. “I was suspended from being governor of the central bank. Three months later, I became an emir,” he said. “Several years ago I was removed as emir; four years later, I came back. I’m now in the same palace, I’m on my throne. Yes, there are challenges, but at the end of the day you hold on to God. You don’t panic.”
He also noted that his time away from Kano after being dethroned provided an opportunity for reflection, personal growth, and academic advancement. “I think of all the things that could have happened if I was in Kano in the last four years, the humiliation I could have faced, the people I would have had to deal with, the people I would have had to report to, but God was so merciful, so kind. He took me away from that. He gave me a chance, I went and did a PhD, and I’m back,” Sanusi said.
Muhammadu Sanusi II, a prominent economist and traditional ruler, is widely recognised for his reformist leadership both in government and traditional institutions. As CBN Governor, he introduced policies aimed at strengthening the banking sector, increasing transparency, and reducing corruption in financial institutions. His tenure at the central bank was praised for improving Nigeria’s economic stability, though it was not without controversies that eventually led to his suspension in 2014.
Following his removal from the CBN, Sanusi was appointed Emir of Kano, a position of immense cultural and political influence in Northern Nigeria. His leadership as Emir was marked by efforts to modernize the emirate, promote education, and advocate for social development. However, his relationship with the state government became strained, leading to his dethronement in 2020. His reinstatement in 2024 reflected changing political dynamics and recognition of his enduring influence and popularity among the people of Kano.
Sanusi’s reflections during the lecture also highlighted the importance of maintaining personal principles, even when facing setbacks or losing positions of power. “If I’m taken away from positions, it’s not a big deal. At the end of the day, I ask myself, have I done anything to offend God?” he said. “It’s better for you to leave there and keep to your principles than to stay there and earn the wrath of Allah.”
The Emir of Kano’s message resonates with many Nigerians who face challenges in workplaces and public institutions where power dynamics often influence career progress. Sanusi’s experiences underscore the importance of faith, patience, and integrity in navigating periods of uncertainty. He noted that reliance on God, rather than human favour, is what allows leaders to maintain dignity and focus during trying times.
His lecture also stressed that life is unpredictable, and one’s current position does not define their ultimate purpose or value. By sharing his personal journey, Sanusi encouraged young people and leaders to cultivate resilience and a strong moral compass. “Life changes fast. Positions come and go. What matters is your character and your adherence to principles,” he said.
Sanusi’s time away from Kano allowed him to pursue further education, including completing a PhD. He described this period as transformative, giving him the opportunity to focus on personal development and scholarship, rather than being caught up in political manoeuvres or seeking approval from others. This experience, he said, helped him return to leadership with renewed strength and insight.
“Being away from the palace, I avoided situations that could have been humiliating. I focused on learning, teaching, and research. When I came back, I was ready to serve better,” he said.
The former CBN governor concluded his lecture by encouraging Nigerians not to define themselves by positions or titles. Instead, he urged them to maintain faith, integrity, and humility. Sanusi’s life story, from CBN governor to dethroned emir and back to the throne, illustrates the transient nature of power and the enduring value of personal principles.
“In life, you should never bow to people just to gain favour. Your dignity is more important than any position. Opportunities will come, circumstances will change, and if you hold on to God and your principles, you will always find your way,” he said.
Sanusi’s reflections provide a lesson in patience, resilience, and faith, offering guidance for leaders and citizens alike on how to navigate challenges, maintain self-respect, and remain committed to personal and ethical values.
