Sanusi Lamido Sanusi Biography: Age, First Wife, Career, Appointment, Education, Emir Of Kano, Family, Children, Net Worth

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi Biography

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, also known as Muhammadu Sanusi II, is a prominent figure in Nigeria, known for his roles as both a traditional leader and a former banker. He is a member of the Dabo royal family and served as the Emir of Kano from June 8, 2014, to March 9, 2020. He was dethroned due to a conflict with the state governor but was reinstated on May 23, 2024.

Sanusi is also recognized for his tenure as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria from 2009 to 2014, where he implemented significant banking reforms and exposed a $20 billion oil scandal. He is a respected Islamic scholar and serves as the spiritual leader of the Tijaniyyah Sufi order in Nigeria, which has a substantial following.

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi Age

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi is 63 years old as of 2024.

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi Early Life and Education

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi was Born on July 31, 1961 into the ruling class Fulani family of the Sullubawa clan in Kano, Nigeria. He grew up in the royal palace of his great-uncle, Emir Ado Bayero.

Sanusi’s educational journey began with religious studies at home, where he learned the Quran, hadith, and the traditions of Muhammad. He then transitioned to formal schooling at St. Anne’s Primary School, a Catholic boarding school in Kaduna. His secondary education took place at the prestigious King’s College in Lagos from 1973 to 1977.

After completing his secondary education, Sanusi pursued higher education at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics in 1981. His academic pursuits didn’t stop there; he furthered his knowledge by teaching economics at the same university.

Sanusi’s quest for knowledge extended beyond economics. He delved into Islamic studies and fiqh, earning a degree from the Africa International University in Khartoum, Sudan, in 1997.

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi Career and Achievements

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s career is a tapestry of banking excellence, economic reform, and traditional leadership.

Banking Beginnings

Sanusi’s foray into the financial world began in 1985 when he joined Icon Limited (a subsidiary of Barings Bank and Morgan Guaranty Trust) as a merchant banker. His early years in the industry were marked by a rapid ascent through the ranks, culminating in his role as the head of financial services and manager of the Kano office.

Rise in Banking Leadership

In 1997, Sanusi’s career took a significant turn when he joined the United Bank for Africa (UBA). There, he managed the credit and risk management division, showcasing his expertise in financial analysis and risk assessment.

Pinnacle at the Central Bank

The zenith of Sanusi’s banking career came in 2009 when he was appointed as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. During his tenure, he implemented sweeping banking reforms that strengthened the Nigerian banking sector. He is also credited with exposing a massive $20 billion oil scandal, which underscored his commitment to transparency and accountability

Emir of Kano

In 2014, Sanusi ascended to the throne as the Emir of Kano, taking the regnal name Muhammadu Sanusi II. His reign was characterized by advocacy for cultural reform in Northern Nigeria. Despite his dethronement in 2020, he was reinstated in 2024.

Read Also: Sanusi Ado Bayero Biography: Age, Father, Education, Career, Wife, Children, Net Worth

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi Deposition

On March 9, 2020, Sanusi was deposed as the Emir of Kano by the then Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. The state government cited “disrespect to lawful instructions from the office of the state governor and other lawful authorities” as the reason for his removal.

Following his deposition, Sanusi was initially banished to Awe, a town in Nasarawa State, which sparked a legal debate over the constitutionality of such banishment. Eventually, a Federal High Court ruled that his banishment was unlawful and unconstitutional.

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi Appointment and Reinstation

On May 23, 2024, Governor Abba Yusuf reinstated Sanusi as the Emir of Kano. This decision was made after the governor signed the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Bill 2024 into law, effectively reversing the actions taken by the previous administration.

However, the reinstatement was met with immediate legal challenges. A Federal High Court in Kano issued an order stopping the Kano State Government from enforcing the Kano State Emirate Council Repeal Law, which had facilitated Sanusi’s return to the throne.

Positions Held by Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi has held several prestigious offices and positions throughout his career. Here’s a list of the key roles he has occupied:

• Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN): Sanusi served as the Governor from June 3, 2009, to February 20, 2014. His tenure was marked by significant reforms in the banking sector.
• Emir of Kano: He first became the Emir on June 8, 2014, and after a period of dethronement, he was reinstated on May 23, 2024.
• Leader of the Tijaniyyah Sufi order in Nigeria: On May 10, 2021, Sanusi was appointed as the leader of this important religious order, which commands immense authority in West Africa.
• Chairman of Babban Gona Farmer Services Ltd.: He has held the position of Chairman at this agricultural services company.
• Chairman of Black Rhino Management Services Pty Ltd.: Sanusi is also the Chairman of this infrastructure investment firm.
• Independent Non-Executive Director of MTN Group Ltd.: He serves on the board of this major telecommunications company.
• Independent Non-Executive Director of Mobile Telephone Networks Holdings Ltd.: He holds a directorship position here as well.
• Member of The Islamic Financial Services Board: His expertise in finance and Islamic law has led him to this international advisory role.

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi Wives, Family and Children

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi has a large family. He has four wives and fourteen children. His first two wives are related to him from his father’s and mother’s sides.

The names of his wives are:

• Hajia Sadiya Ado Bayero: She is Sanusi’s first wife.
• Hajia Maryam: She is mentioned as one of his wives.
• Rakiya: Another of his wives.
• Sa’adatu Mustafa Barkindo: Also one of his wives.

The Names of Children are:

• Aminu
• Shaheeda
• Hafsat (Sadeeqa)
• Saleeha
• Khadija
• Adam (Ashraf)
• Mustapha (Imam)
• Aisha
• Husna
• Muhammadu Inuwa
• Muhammadu Sanusi
• Maryam
• Halimatu Sadiya (Rafeeqah)
• Zainab
• Khausar

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi Net Worth

Sanusi Lamido’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million as of 2024.