Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

Muhammadu Sanusi II
Muhammadu Sanusi II
Born	July 31, 1961 (age 65); Kano, Nigeria
Other names	Khalifa Sanusi II
Occupation(s)	Islamic scholar, political economist, academic, banking professional, traditional ruler
Years active	1985–present
Known for	Emir of Kano; Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (2009–2014)

Adapted from the English Wikipedia article Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, available under CC BY-SA 4.0Updated 11 August 2025

Muhammadu Sanusi II (Ajami: محمد السنوسي, born 31 July 1961), also referred to as Khalifa Sanusi II, serves as the spiritual head (khalifa) of Nigeria's Tijanniyah Sufi order and holds the traditional title of emir (Sarki) of Kano. He belongs to the Dabo royal lineage and is the grandson of Muhammadu Sanusi I. On 8 June 2014, he ascended to the emirate, succeeding his great-uncle Ado Bayero and assuming the regnal name Muhammadu Sanusi II. His leadership has been marked by efforts to promote cultural transformation in Northern Nigeria.

In 2020, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje removed him from office, naming his cousin Aminu Ado Bayero as the new emir. However, on 23 May 2024, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf reinstated Sanusi to the position.

Sanusi commands considerable politico-spiritual influence within the Tijaniyyah order, which counts over 50 million followers throughout West Africa. Growing up within the royal household, he was educated in both religious and secular disciplines. Prior to his appointment as emir, he was recognized as an Islamic scholar, political economist, academic, and banking professional.

Between 2009 and 2014, he held the position of Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, where he spearheaded significant reforms in the banking sector. His term concluded following his public claim that $20 billion had disappeared from government accounts, an assertion that led to his suspension.

Family

Born on 31 July 1961 in Kano, Sanusi hails from a Fulani aristocratic family belonging to the Sullubawa clan. He was nurtured within the palace of his great-uncle Ado Bayero, who ruled for more than fifty years. His father, Aminu Sanusi, was a prince and diplomat with postings as ambassador to Belgium, China, and Canada before serving as permanent secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Additionally, Aminu Sanusi held the title of Chiroma within the Kano and was a son of Muhammadu Sanusi I, who reigned as the 11th Fulani Emir of Kano from 1953 until his deposition by his cousin Sir Ahmadu Bello in 1963.

Education

Sanusi’s initial religious training took place at home, focusing on Qur'an recitation, Hadith studies, and Prophet Muhammad’s traditions. He attended St. Annes Primary School, a Catholic boarding institution in Kaduna, followed by King's College in Lagos from 1973 to 1977. He earned a bachelor's degree in Economics at Ahmadu Bello University in 1981. After completing his National Youth Service teaching at a girls’ boarding school in Yola, he returned for a master's degree in Economics in 1983 and subsequently lectured there for two years.

Subsequently, he pursued Islamic studies at the International University of Africa in Khartoum, gaining proficiency in Arabic and delving into Qur'anic sciences, Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh), philosophy (falsafa), and the four main Sunni legal schools: Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali. In August 2024, Sanusi earned his PhD in Islamic law from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, with a dissertation entitled Codification of Islamic Family Law as an Instrument of Social Reform: A Case Study of the Emirate of Kano and a Comparison with the Kingdom of Morocco.

Banking

Sanusi embarked on his banking profession in 1985 at Icon Limited, a branch of Barings Bank and Morgan Guaranty Trust, serving as a merchant banker. He subsequently assumed the role of head of financial services and office manager based in Kano. After departing in 1991 to pursue Arabic and Islamic studies in Sudan, he returned to Nigeria in 1997 and joined United Bank for Africa, where he rose to the position of general manager overseeing credit and risk management. In 2005, Sanusi was appointed to the board of First Bank of Nigeria and served as executive director for risk management before becoming the bank’s CEO in January 2009—the first individual from northern Nigeria to hold this position.

On 1 June 2009, President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua nominated Sanusi as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), a nomination that received Senate approval during the height of the Great Recession. Confronted with a drastic economic downturn marked by a nearly 70% collapse in the stock market, Sanusi led efforts at the CBN to stabilize the sector by injecting over ₦600 billion of public funds into major banks. He took decisive action by removing and prosecuting executives implicated in mismanagement and financial misconduct. Sanusi attributed the stock market's downfall to widespread financial illiteracy among Nigerian investors and spearheaded a consolidation strategy involving mergers and acquisitions to fortify banking institutions and safeguard depositors’ interests. His initiatives also prioritized enhancing infrastructure investment and fostering support for small and medium-sized enterprises.

The reforms introduced under Sanusi, often referred to as the "Sanusi Tsunami," emphasized elevating banking standards, ensuring financial stability, advancing sector development, and enhancing contributions to the real economy. He was instrumental in formulating Nigeria’s cashless policy aimed at encouraging electronic payments and played a key role in promoting Islamic banking, despite facing opposition from certain religious factions. Sanusi openly criticized excessive budgetary expenditures by the National Assembly and opposed IMF recommendations for currency devaluation. Additionally, he championed the removal of fuel subsidies to curb corruption and inefficiencies—a stance that ignited the Occupy Nigeria protests calling for his resignation.

While opinions on his tenure were divided domestically, Sanusi received international acclaim; The Banker magazine honored him as the 2010 Central Bank Governor of the Year in recognition of his anti-corruption efforts amid the financial crisis. He is credited with embedding a culture of risk management within Nigerian banking institutions and has delivered speeches at prominent global platforms such as the World Economic Forum.

In December 2013, Sanusi disclosed a letter exposing that the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) had failed to remit US$48.9 billion in oil revenues to the central bank—an exposé that underscored persistent corruption within Nigeria’s petroleum industry. Subsequent investigations revealed unremitted funds totaling US$20 billion, leading to his suspension by President Goodluck Jonathan on 20 February 2014. On 31 March 2014, the State Security Service confiscated his travel documents and charged him with terrorism financing; however, Sanusi successfully challenged these charges in court three days later.

Interregnum

Following the death of Emir Ado Bayero on 6 June 2014—who had ruled as Emir of Kano for more than fifty years—a succession dispute arose within the royal family. On 8 June 2014, Sanusi, grandson of former Emir Muhammadu Sanusi I and holder of the traditional title Dan Majen Kano, was installed as the new Emir of Kano. His appointment provoked widespread demonstrations from supporters of Sanusi Ado Bayero, who held the position of Chiroman Kano (Crown Prince) and was son to the late Emir Ado Bayero, amid accusations that Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso had interfered with the selection process for the throne.

First reign

On 8 June 2014, Sanusi was appointed as the Emir of Kano, succeeding his granduncle, Ado Bayero. His ascension to the throne ignited controversy, with accusations that political interests aimed to protect him from corruption investigations related to his tenure at the central bank. The expectation that Bayero's son would inherit the position fueled protests opposing Sanusi's selection. He was officially installed as Sarki Muhammadu Sunusi II on 9 June 2014, becoming the fifty-seventh ruler of Kano and ranking as the fourth most significant Islamic traditional leader in Nigeria after the Sultan of Sokoto, Shehu of Borno, and Emir of Gwandu.

In November 2014, after Sanusi urged a united front against Boko Haram, the Great Mosque of Kano suffered a bombing attack that resulted in over 150 deaths. Subsequently, Boko Haram's leader Abubakar Shekau accused Sanusi of straying from Islamic teachings and issued threats against his life in December 2014. Sanusi responded with confidence, comparing Shekau’s radicalism to that of heretical figures such as Maitatsine.

Throughout his six-year tenure, Sanusi emerged as a dynamic figure who combined respect for tradition with progressive ideas. He spearheaded significant reforms including drafting new legislation on Muslim family law, founded a library housing 40,000 volumes, and undertook modernization efforts at the 15th-century palace. Additionally, he championed the international promotion of the Durbar festival, enhancing tourism at cultural landmarks like Dala Hill and the Gidan Makama Museum Kano. To preserve cultural heritage, Sanusi advocated reviving ancient dye pits at Kofar Mata and highlighted local artisan guilds through his distinctive personal fashion.

Defying established royal norms, Sanusi openly challenged governmental policies and criticized misplaced priorities. In 2017, investigations into financial irregularities within the emirate council were launched—widely interpreted as retaliation for his outspoken stance against government shortcomings. These probes were eventually halted following interventions by prominent political figures.

In 2019, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje enacted legislation establishing four new emirates—Bichi, Rano, Gaya, and Karaye—significantly reducing Sanusi’s domain from 44 to just 10 local government areas and fragmenting his traditional authority. A new inquiry commenced in March 2020 regarding alleged breaches of "traditional practices," following a high court decision that barred earlier corruption investigations against him.

Removal from Office

On 9 March 2020, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje officially removed Sanusi from his position. While awaiting formal communication at his private residence in Gidan Rumfa, security forces including police and military personnel forcefully entered the palace. Sanusi interpreted his removal as an act of divine will, urging his followers to stay composed and to offer their loyalty (bay'ah) to his successor, Aminu Ado Bayero. He also recalled the experience of his grandfather, Muhammadu Sanusi I, who faced a similar deposition in 1963.

Period of Exile

Following his removal, Sanusi was sent into exile from Kano to Nasarawa State. Although he initially sought permission to serve his exile in Lagos alongside his family, this request was denied. He was subsequently escorted under heavy security to a military airbase. His legal representatives announced intentions to contest the exile through judicial means. From there, he was transported first to Abuja, then to Loko, before being flown by police helicopter to the remote local government area of Awe.

On 13 March, a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered his release. After leading Friday prayers in Awe, Sanusi departed with Governor Nasir El Rufai en route to Lagos. He declared that he would not dispute his removal and planned to live as a private individual, dismissing any political ambitions. Instead, he intended to concentrate on writing and scholarly activities.

Sanusi holds a visiting scholar position at the University of Oxford’s African Studies Centre, where he is preparing a book detailing his tenure as central bank governor during the 2008 financial crisis. Additionally, he aims to author works on Muslim jurisprudence and cultural traditions in northern Nigeria. In June 2021, he published a collection of his articles spanning from 1999 to 2005.

On 10 May 2021, Sanusi assumed the role of leader (khalifa) of the Tijaniyyah Sufi order in Nigeria—a role previously held by his grandfather—bestowing upon him notable religious influence across West Africa.

Restoration to Power

On 23 May 2024, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf reinstated Sanusi as emir of Kano, overturning the 2020 removal executed by former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who had fragmented the traditional Kano Emirate. Governor Kabir Yusuf enacted legislation repealing the 2019 Kano State Emirates Council Law and dissolved the five emirate councils established under the prior administration. This action removed Sanusi's cousins—the emir of Bichi Nasiru Ado Bayero and emir of Kano Aminu Ado Bayero—from their posts. The deposed emir Bayero remained in Kano and, supported by federal allies including Ganduje, national security adviser Ribadu, and involving allegations linked to former president Buhari, mounted legal challenges against Sanusi's reinstatement through proceedings led by Alhaji Aminu Baba Dan Agundi, Sarkin Dawakin Babba of the Kano Emirate.

As a prominent religious leader in Nigeria's Muslim north, the emir of Kano wields considerable influence. Sanusi’s restoration was widely interpreted as politically driven ahead of the 2027 general elections. Kano's substantial electorate includes influential politicians such as Kabir Yusuf and Kwankwaso from the NNPP, alongside Ganduje of the APC. Holding the emirate once again places Sanusi at the center of these political currents, fueling speculation about potential future electoral ambitions.

On 10 January 2025, a state appellate court affirmed Sanusi’s reinstatement, determining that federal courts lack jurisdiction over traditional rulers—a matter reserved for state courts under Nigeria’s federal system. Shortly thereafter, Sanusi openly criticized economic policies implemented by the Tinubu administration. However, on 15 March 2025, the federal high court in Abuja suspended the appellate court’s decision pending Supreme Court review, maintaining the status quo ante bellum before the June 2024 federal court ruling and thereby extending the ongoing royal succession dispute in Kano.

Views

Sanusi has contributed extensively as a public intellectual, addressing a range of subjects from Islam to political economy, presenting his perspectives on:

Islam

Sanusi stresses that the core of Islam is justice and warns against its exploitation for narrow political gains. He condemns the violent suppression of Sufi groups by Wahhabist fundamentalists as detrimental to authentic Muslim interests. In his work Shariah and the Woman Question, he explores women's societal roles and has shared opinions regarding non-Muslims. While endorsing zakat as an effective mechanism for redistributing wealth, he contends that this responsibility should be managed by the government.

He promotes family planning initiatives to tackle the almajiranci phenomenon and advocates for the abolition of child marriage, the empowerment of women, and utilizing mosques as centers for education. Sanusi associates polygamy with heightened poverty levels in northern Nigeria and supports measures aimed at population control. Defending African Islamic traditions, he resists external ideological intrusions such as Wahhabism and Salafism, emphasizing that Africa possesses its own rich Islamic heritage and jurisprudential schools independent of Saudi or Iranian interpretations.

Culture

Sanusi has championed a cultural renaissance in Northern Nigeria, highlighting the influence of Hausa–Fulani heritage while affirming Nigeria’s strength through its diverse unity. He critiques the postcolonial dependence on English as the official language, pointing out that Arabic served as Kano’s official language for centuries prior to British colonial rule. Furthermore, Sanusi encourages revitalizing Trans-Saharan trade, underscoring the Sahel region’s historical significance as a vital global trade center integrated within Arab Islamic civilization where Arabic functioned as the lingua franca.

Politics

Sanusi advocates for comprehensive constitutional reforms to resolve Nigeria’s governance issues. He objects to exorbitant governance expenses, opposing a full-time bicameral legislature, the existence of 36 states each with governors and deputies, and an excessive number of government aides. He calls for a complete restructuring of the Nigerian Civil Service, describing it as inefficient and overly large. Since 2013, Sanusi has refrained from engaging in elective politics, citing the challenges inherent in Nigeria’s political landscape. He underscores the necessity for principled leadership to shield society from the detrimental effects of unprincipled politics, drawing inspiration from Islamic principles.

Economy

Sanusi promotes profound structural reforms alongside a more proactive and strategically guided economic policy in Nigeria. He stresses the importance of diversifying beyond oil dependency and criticizes financialization for creating an artificial economy with minimal benefits to the real sector. He endorses state-owned banks and development finance institutions as vital drivers for industrial growth. Concerning bank ownership, Sanusi argues that owners, managers, affluent borrowers, and political affiliates constitute a class safeguarding their interests at the expense of impoverished populations.

Regarding Islamic banking, Sanusi regards it as a robust alternative financial system which, if effectively leveraged, could foster broad-based economic independence. He notes that notable historical figures such as Aristotle, Adam Smith, and Alfred Marshall have advocated interest-free banking principles.

Corruption

During his tenure as central bank governor, Sanusi spearheaded a rigorous campaign against corruption, resulting in the removal of Cecilia Ibru and several other banking executives due to their mishandling of customer funds, with two high-ranking bankers subsequently incarcerated. His efforts focused on dismantling deeply rooted vested interests that exploited the financial sector. Sanusi also openly condemned the fuel subsidy system, emphasizing its role in fostering corruption and inefficiency, as well as the government’s reliance on borrowing to sustain it—thereby imposing financial burdens on future generations to cover current fuel expenses.

Sanusi disclosed that under the Jonathan administration, Nigeria suffered a monthly loss of $1 billion due to fund misappropriation. According to a PBS report, insiders claimed that former petroleum minister Diezani Alison-Madueke orchestrated a $6 billion treasury diversion. Alison-Madueke responded by accusing Sanusi of making these allegations after she declined to endorse his candidacy for the African Development Bank presidency; she was later detained in London in 2015.

In addition, Sanusi has voiced criticism of Buhari's anti-corruption war, asserting that its foreign exchange policies have cultivated a rentier economy and contributed to the emergence of a newly wealthy elite.

Activities

Sanusi engages in various private, humanitarian, and scholarly pursuits, including:

Pursuing a PhD in Islamic Law at the University of London
Serving as an Academic Visitor at the University of Oxford, African Studies Centre within the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies
Acting as an Advocate for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Chairing Babban Gona, a private sector agricultural initiative aiding rural farmers
Leading Black Rhino, an infrastructure fund focused on Sub-Saharan Africa under The Blackstone Group
Heading the advisory board of 1 Million Teachers, an NGO dedicated to education
Holding the position of Independent Non-Executive Director at MTN Group
Serving as Vice Chairman of Kaduna Investment Promotion Agency
Occupying the role of Chancellor at Kaduna State University
Chairing the Katsina Vocational Training Center

Overseas visits

Sanusi has delivered speeches at numerous global forums, including the 2013 World Economic Forum. As Emir of Kano, he undertook extensive international travel, notably accompanying a United Nations delegation to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault. In August 2023, during the Niger coup d'état crisis, he traveled to Niamey to engage with the coup leaders and met with Abdourahamane Tchiani, clarifying that his involvement was in a personal capacity.

Honours

Awarded Commander of the Order of the Niger
Recognized in 2010 by The Banker as Central Bank Governor of the Year globally and for Africa
Featured in 2011 on Time magazine’s list of 100 most influential individuals
Honoured at the third Global Islamic Finance Awards (GIFA) in Dubai in 2013 for advancing Islamic banking and finance during his central bank governorship
Received the Global Leadership in Islamic Finance Award as the fifth GIFA Laureate in 2015
Conferred honorary doctorates by Nile University of Nigeria in 2018 and by SOAS University of London in 2019

Issue

Sanusi is married to three wives and has twelve children, comprising five sons and seven daughters.

Patrilineal lineage

Sanusi stands as the first Dabo prince in two hundred years to ascend to the emirate without his father having previously ruled. His paternal ancestry firmly establishes his affiliation with the Dabo dynasty, the sovereign royal family of Kano.

Kano Royal Lineage

His patrilineal heritage traces directly to Ibrahim Dabo:

Ibrahim Dabo dan Mahmudu (reigned 1819–1846)
Usman I Maje Ringim dan Dabo (reigned 1846–1855)
Abdullahi Maje Karofi dan Dabo (reigned 1855–1883)
Muhammadu Bello dan Dabo (reigned 1883–1893)
Muhammadu Tukur dan Bello (reigned 1893–1894)
Aliyu Babba dan Maje Karofi (reigned 1894–1903)
Muhammad Abbass Dan Maje Karofi (reigned 1903–1919)
Usman II dan Maje Karofi (reigned 1919–1926)
Abdullahi Bayero Dan Abbas (reigned 1926–1953)
Muhammadu Sanusi I Dan Bayero (reigned 1954–1963)
Muhammad Inuwa Dan Abbas (ruled briefly in 1963 for three months)
Ado Bayero Dan Abdu Bayero (ruled 1963–2014)
Muhammadu Sanusi II dan Aminu Sanusi (ruled 2014–2020)
Aminu Ado Bayero (ruled 2020–2024)
Muhammadu Sanusi II dan Aminu Sanusi (ruled from 2024 onward)

Publications

For the Good of the Nation presents Muhammadu Sanusi II’s strategic outlook on Nigeria’s progress and development.
He has contributed numerous articles addressing social challenges, political economy, Islamic jurisprudence, and historical matters pertinent to governance and economic strategies.

External links