One Year After the Return of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II: A Symbol of Justice, Reform, and Resilience
By Abdulkadir Aliyu Shehu
One year has passed since the historic reinstatement of His Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano, a moment that reverberated across Nigeria and beyond. His return marked not only a personal triumph but also a powerful testament to the enduring strength of justice and tradition. Deposed unjustly in March 2020 by the former Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Emir Sanusi’s reinstatement in 2024 reignited hope in the rule of law and the preservation of cultural heritage.
Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, a renowned Islamic scholar, economist, and reformer, was celebrated both within and outside Nigeria long before his ascension to the throne in 2014. As a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, his tenure was marked by integrity, courage, and a commitment to transparency traits that carried into his leadership as Emir. His deposition was widely viewed as politically motivated, a punitive response to his vocal criticism of misgovernance and corruption.
The controversial dethronement drew national and international condemnation. Many saw it as an affront to the principles of justice and a threat to the traditional institutions that have long been the backbone of Northern Nigerian society. Sanusi’s removal from the throne not only disrupted the Kano Emirate’s lineage but also exposed the tension between traditional authority and political power.
His return in 2024, facilitated by sweeping reforms and popular support, signalled a major turning point. The newly elected administration of Governor Engr Abba Kabir Yusif of Kano State moved to rectify the injustice, invoking the will of the people and the sanctity of the Emirate institution. The reinstatement was met with jubilation, not just in Kano but across Northern Nigeria, with crowds flooding the streets in celebration.
Over the past year, Emir Sanusi has resumed his role with grace and renewed vigour. His leadership continues to emphasize education, particularly for the girl child, economic development, religious tolerance, and social reform. These priorities have begun to yield tangible results, as Kano witnesses a slow but steady revival in civic engagement and developmental initiatives.
As an imam and Islamic scholar, Sanusi blends spiritual depth with intellectual clarity. He has continued to deliver sermons that resonate with contemporary challenges while staying grounded in Islamic principles. His messages on unity, justice, and morality strike a chord in a society seeking direction amidst modern chaos.
As an economist, Emir Sanusi’s insight remains invaluable. He has consistently advocated for policies that can alleviate poverty, stimulate local enterprise, and attract investment to Northern Nigeria. His counsel to government agencies and civil society organizations has added credibility to various socio-economic reforms in the region.
Sanusi’s return has also revitalized the Kano Emirate’s influence. The palace has once again become a hub for dialogue, conflict resolution, and cultural celebration. Local and international delegations have resumed their visits, underscoring the Emirate’s restored stature on the global stage.
Beyond governance, Emir Sanusi has rekindled philanthropy in the North. Through foundations and personal initiatives, he continues to support health, education, and youth empowerment programs. His commitment to humanitarian causes reflects a leadership rooted not in power, but in service.
The symbolism of his return has also inspired a new generation. Young people in Northern Nigeria increasingly see Emir Sanusi as a role model who stands for truth, justice, and intellectual excellence. In schools and universities, leadership debates often invoke his name and legacy.
One year later, the wounds inflicted by the injustice of 2020 are healing. The people of Kano, through cultural resilience and political awareness, have reclaimed a part of their identity. The Emirate stands not only as a symbol of heritage but as a beacon of justice and reform.
Sanusi’s relationship with other traditional institutions across Nigeria has strengthened. Obas, Emirs, and Obis alike recognize the significance of his journey an enduring reminder that no throne can be permanently removed when it is held by one with the people’s mandate and moral legitimacy.
There is now renewed discussion on the autonomy of traditional institutions in Nigeria. Many advocate for constitutional protections that prevent political interference in traditional leadership, using Sanusi’s case as a watershed moment in modern Nigerian history.
As the second year of his restored reign begins, expectations are high. Yet, Emir Sanusi appears undeterred, guided by vision and fortified by experience. His story is now deeply woven into the national fabric, not just as a tale of power lost and regained, but as a moral compass for a nation in flux.
In conclusion, the return of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II stands as a victory for justice, tradition, and enlightened leadership. One year on, his presence on the throne of Kano is not merely symbolic it is a living affirmation that truth, though challenged, can never be buried
Allah ya taimaki Sarki Allah ya Ja zamanin Sarki.
Abdulkadir Aliyu Shehu a Journalist writes from Kano and can be reached via danfodio247@gmail.com
