Muhammadu Sanusi II, CON (
Ajami: محمد السنوسي, Muhammadu Sanusi na biyu(Listenⓘ); born 31 July 1961),[1] known by the religious title Khalifa Sanusi II (
Ajami: خليفة السنوسي), is the spiritual leader (khalifa) of the
Tijanniyah Sufi order in Nigeria and the
emir (Sarki) of the
ancient city-state of
Kano.[2] He is a member of the
Dabo dynasty and was born in
Kano in 1961 into the royal family as the grandson of
Muhammadu Sanusi I. He succeeded his great-uncle
Ado Bayero to the throne on 8 June 2014, assuming the regnal name Muhammadu Sanusi II. He spent most of his reign advocating for cultural reform in
Northern Nigeria.[3]
In 2020, he was dethroned by Governor
Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and was succeeded by his cousin
Aminu Ado Bayero. On 23 May 2024, Governor
Abba Kabir Yusuf reinstated him to the throne making him the 16th Fulani emir of Kano.[4][5]
Sanusi is a prominent traditional and religious figure in West Africa. As the
Khalifa of the
TijaniyyahSufi order of Nigeria and the neighbouring countries, he arguably has a politico-spiritual authority over the second largest Sufi order, with over 50 million adherents.[6] He grew up in the royal palace of his grand-uncle, and as a youth received both religious and secular education. Prior to his accession, Sanusi was an Islamic intellectual, academic, political economist and banker.[7] He served as the
Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria from 2009 to 2014, ushering in
banking reforms until his suspension after he brought to light the
$20 billion oil scandal.[8][9][10]
Family
Sanusi was born on 31 July 1961 in
Kano to a ruling class
Fulani family of the
Sullubawa clan.[11] He grew up in the palace of his great-uncle
Ado Bayero, who reigned for over five decades. His father, Aminu Sanusi, was a prince and diplomat who served as the ambassador to Belgium, China and Canada, and later permanent secretary of the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He was also the
Chiroma of
Kano and son of
Muhammadu Sanusi I, who was the 11th Fulani
Emir of Kano from 1953 to 1963, when he was deposed by his cousin
Sir Ahmadu Bello.[12]
Education
Sanusi received early religious education at home, where he learnt
Qur'an,hadith and the
traditions of
Muhammad. He then attended St. Annes Primary School, a Catholic boarding school in
Kaduna, before proceeding to
King's College, Lagos from 1973 to 1977.[13] He received a
bachelor's degree in Economics from the
Ahmadu Bello University in 1981. After graduating, he spent a year undergoing his
National Youth Service as a teacher in a girls boarding school in
Yola. He then returned to the university where he received a
master's degree in Economics in 1983, and lectured at the faculty for two years.[14]
Sanusi later moved to
Khartoum where he read Islamic studies at the International University of Africa. He became fluent in Arabic and also studied the Qur'an, law (fiqh) and philosophy (falsafa), amongst others, he read the works of prominent Western thinkers and Islamic authorities and was also exposed to the four Sunni
madhhabs of
Hanafi,
Maliki,
Shafi'i and
Hanbali.[15]
On 1 June 2009, Sanusi was nominated as Governor of the
Central Bank of Nigeria by President
Umaru Musa Yar'Adua;[20] his appointment was confirmed by the
Nigerian Senate on 3 June 2009, during the
global financial crisis.[21] In Nigeria, the effect of the crisis took a hit at the
economy and the
banking system, with the stock market collapsing by nearly 70%.[22] It was amidst this crisis that Sanusi led the central bank in rescuing top tier banks with over
₦600 billion of public money, dismissing and imprisoning chief executives who had mismanaged customer deposits – and strictly dealing with banks found responsible for financial crimes.[23] Sanusi attributed the crash in the capital markets to "financial illiteracy" on the part of Nigerian investors.[24] He also introduced a consolidation process which reduced the number of
Nigerian banks through
merger and acquisitions, in a bid to make them stronger and more accountable to depositors. He also led efforts in increasing the level of investment in
infrastructure and support for
small and medium enterprises.[25]
Sanusi's tenure initiated several extensive
banking reforms termed the "Sanusi Tsunami".[26] The reforms were built around four pillars: enhancing the quality of banks, establishing
financial stability, enabling healthy financial sector evolution and ensuring the financial sector contributes to the
real economy.[27] Sanusi developed the
cashless policy – whereby
financial transactions are not conducted with money in the form of physical
banknotes or coins, but rather through the transfer of digital information (usually an electronic representation of money) between the transacting parties;[28] he also introduced and supported the establishment of
Islamic banking in Nigeria, a move which was criticized by the
Christian Association of Nigeria.[29] He also clashed with the
National Assembly, over its budgetary spending of 25% of all government revenue;[30][31] and rejected the
International Monetary Fund insistence for a currency
devaluation.[32] He also advised the government on the removal of the fuel subsidy, which he argued engendered a culture of high level corruption and
economic inefficiency[33] – the removal of the subsidy was unpopular and led to the
Occupy Nigeria movement, which called for his resignation.[34]
His reforms received both criticism and appraisal from the industry. The Banker magazine recognised him as the 2010 Central Bank Governor of the Year, for his reforms and leading a radical anti-corruption campaign in the sector – the first of its kind during the financial crisis.[35] Sanusi is widely recognized for pacifying the overtly corrupt banking industry and his contribution to a risk management culture in Nigerian banking. Sanusi has spoken at a number of international events including the 2013
World Economic Forum.[36][37] In December 2013, Sanusi in a leaked letter to President
Goodluck Jonathan revealed that the
Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) failed to remit US$48.9 billion of government oil revenue to the central bank[38][39] – the NNPC has a history of financial irregularities and oversees the corrupt
petroleum industry in Nigeria. In February 2014,[40] after a series of public investigations and raising the alarm on the
US$20 billion NNPC scandal, Sanusi was suspended as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria by President
Goodluck Jonathan.[41][42] In April 2014, he won a court case against the federal government, after he was detained and his international passport confiscated by the
State Security Service.[43]
Interregnum
On 6 June 2014, Emir
Ado Bayero who reigned as
Emir of Kano for over five decades died, and a succession crisis loomed amongst the royal family. On 8 June 2014, Sanusi a grandson of former Emir
Muhammadu Sanusi I; and holder of the traditional title of
Dan Majen Kano (Son of Emir-Maje)[44] emerged as the new Emir of Kano.[45] His accession led to widespread protests from supporters of
Sanusi Ado Bayero the
Chiroman Kano (Crown Prince) and son of the late Emir Ado Bayero,[46] with allegations that Governor
Rabiu Kwankwaso interfered with the king-making process.[47][48]
In November 2014, after Sanusi urged his followers to fight
Boko Haram, the
Great Mosque of Kano was
bombed, with over 150 casualties.[52] In December 2014, Boko Haram leader
Abubakar Shekau accused Sanusi of deviating from Islam and threatened his life.[53] Sanusi replied that he is "safe with Allah", and likened Shekau's extremist comments (describing Sufis as unbelievers) to those of the heretical Islamic preacher
Maitatsine.[54]
During Sanusi's six-year reign, The Emir reinvented himself as a charismatic figure at the crossroads of tradition and modernity. Major developments, such as the drafting of a new Muslim family law,[55][56] construction of a 40,000 books library and vernacular modernization of the
15th century palace took place;[57] and the
Durbar festival was promoted internationally.[58] Tourism to heritage sites such as the ancient
Dala Hill and
Gidan Makama increased and was encouraged by Sanusi.[59] The Emir also played a role in revamping the ancient city's cultural objects including in clothing where he advocated for the revival of the moribund 14th century dye pits at Kofar Mata – and through his own style and drapery projected the craftsmanship of the city's leading guilds.[60][61]
Sanusi also spoke out on government policies, breaking with royal tradition.[62] He criticised the government of misplaced priorities.[63] In 2017, the
emirate council was under investigation for financial irregularities.[64][65] Many saw this as retribution over comments he made against the state government.[66] The investigation was later called off by the state legislature following intervention by the ruling class.[67] In 2019,
GovernorAbdullahi Umar Ganduje signed into law the creation of four new emirates; Bichi, Rano, Gaya and Karaye.[68] This unprecedented move saw the partitioning of Sanusi's traditional domain as Emir.[69] According to the law, out of the 44 local government areas in the state, Sanusi as Emir of Kano will preside over just 10 local government areas;[70] with the remainder carved up amongst the new emirates.[71] In March 2020, the state legislature launched a new investigation against The Emir for violation of "traditional practices",[72] this was coming after a high court ruling restraining the corruption investigation against Sanusi.[73]
Dethronement
On 9 March 2020, Sanusi was dethroned by Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.[74] Sanusi was in his private residence in
Gidan Rumfa when he learnt of his removal, while awaiting for state officials to formally serve him the deposition letter a contingent of police, military,[75] and security operatives stormed the palace.[76] Sanusi later accepted his dethronement as a divine act and urged his supporters to remain calm and avoid bloodshed.[77] He also urged them to declare
bay'ah to his successor
Aminu Ado Bayero, and stated "It is a thing of pride that made us to rule and end in the same fashion as the Khalifa," in reference to his grandfather
Muhammadu Sanusi I, who was also deposed and exiled in 1963.[78]
Years in exile
Sanusi was later informed of his exile from Kano to
Nasarawa State.[79] Initially wanting to serve his exile in
Lagos with his family,[80] his request was denied and was later escorted out of the palace under heavy guard to a military air base.[81] His lawyers subsequently announced they are going to challenge his arbitrary exile in court.[82] Sanusi was then flown to
Abuja, en route to
Loko in Nassarawa.[83][84] On 10 March, he was relocated from Loko via police helicopter to
Awe a remote
local government area in the state.[85] On 13 March, a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the release of Sanusi,[86] he subsequently left Awe together with Governor
Nasir El Rufai,[87] after leading Friday prayers in full regalia to
Lagos.[88]
Sanusi has stated he will not challenge his dethronement and intends to go on with his activities as a private citizen.[89] He has ruled out the possibility of entry into politics,[90] and is focusing his time on writing and academic pursuits. He is a visiting scholar at the
University of Oxford’s African Studies Centre, where he is set to publish a book about his role as central bank governor during the
global financial crisis.[91][92] He also plans to write on Muslim law and cultural practices in northern Nigeria.[93] In June 2021, Sanusi released a compendium of his articles from 1999 to 2005.[94] On 10 May 2021, Sanusi was appointed as leader (
khalifa) of the
TijaniyyahSufi order in Nigeria, an important position which was held by his grandfather, with immense religious authority in West Africa.[95] He is currently ongoing a PhD in Islamic Law at the
University of London.[96]
Second reign
On 23 May 2024, the governor of Kano State,
Abba Kabir Yusuf reinstated Sanusi as emir of Kano. Sanusi had been deposed as emir four years earlier.[97]
The new law replaces the Kano State Emirates Council Law, 2019, and dissolves the five emirate councils created by former Governor
Abdullahi Umar Ganduje which had splintered the Kano Emirate and led to the deposition of Sanusi.
Views
Sanusi has over the years as a public intellectual written on topics ranging from Islam to political economy. He has debated and authored a number of papers articulating his views on:[98]
Sanusi's position has two underlying themes: Islam is concerned with justice and should not be a tool for self-seeking political agendas, and the violent
persecution of the Sufi orders by Wahhabist fundamentalists counters genuine Muslim interests.[99] He has written about the role of women in society in his paper, Shariah and the Woman Question.[100] And has also described his views on non-Muslims.[101] Sanusi has adopted the mainstream position that
zakat is an instrument for redistributing income, arguing in favour of giving the role of redistribution to the government.[102]
Sanusi has also advocated for family planning to solve
almajiranci.[103] He has called for an end to child marriage, women empowerment, use of mosques for education.[104][105] He has said that
polygamy is increasing
poverty in the region and supports population planning.[106][107] He has also defended his views on
Islam in Africa[108] – and has opposed the external influence on the continents religious life, "
Wahhabism and
Salafism have a certain intolerance in common with groups such as
Boko Haram. Islam in Africa has its own schools of thought, its
ancient empires and its own history. And we have no need for
Saudi Arabia and
Iran to explain Islam to us."[109]
Sanusi has called for a cultural revival in Northern Nigeria.[110] In his works he has described his views regarding the
Hausa–Fulani cultural hegemony,[98] and is a supporter of Nigeria's
unity in diversity. Sanusi has criticized
postcolonialism and maintaining English as an official language stating "If you take Kano, for 600-700 years the official language was Arabic. We had British colonialism for 60 years, and today the official language in Nigeria is English. Arabic is not an official language".[111]
He has also spoken out for the need to revive the
Trans-Saharan trade stating that "
The Sahel was a major part of global commerce; it was the transit point of trade from Asia to the Atlantic and to Europe. The cities of the Sahel –
Timbuktu,
Gao,
Kano,
Agadez – were the richest cities in Africa before the
steamship, before
colonialism. Many of the
countries in the Sahel are part of a great Arab Islamic civilisation – the official language of communication was Arabic."[112]
Politics
Sanusi believes that fundamental constitutional amendments are required to address misgovernance in Nigeria.[113] He has raised questions on Nigeria's extremely-high cost of governance and opposes having a full time
bicameral legislature,
36 states with
governors and deputies, and thousands of government aides. He has also called for an overhaul of the
Nigerian Civil Service, describing the institution as inefficient and over bloated.[114] Since 2013, Sanusi has ruled out participating in Nigerian politics and seeking elective office stating in a BBC HARDTalk interview "I cannot survive in Nigerian politics".[115] He has said with regards to the damaging effect of unprincipled politics on the society "our duty as Muslims is to learn from the ideals of
Muhammad to save the society from eminent danger that is facing it".[116]
Sanusi favors deep economic
structural reforms and a more "
interventionist, directional economic policy" to be implemented in Nigeria.[117] He has also called for the
diversification of the economy away from oil, and has also criticized
financialization for creating a "fake economy" and not having sufficient impact on the
real economy. He has also supported the use of state-owned banks and
development finance as a catalyst for
industrialization. On bank ownerships he is of the view that "The owners and managers of banks, the rich borrowers and their clients in the political establishment are one and the same class of people protecting their interest, and trampling underneath their feet the interest of the poor with impunity".[118]
On his introduction of Islamic banking to Nigeria, he elaborated his view that
Islamic finance is a resilient alternative;[119] stating "Islamic banking, if well harnessed, would ensure large numbers of people are economically independent", he also noted in the past proponents of interest-free banking included
Aristotle,
Adam Smith, and
Alfred Marshall.[120]
As central bank governor, he led a radical anti-corruption campaign, dismissing
Cecilia Ibru and other powerful bank heads who had mismanaged customer deposits, and (in the case of two senior bankers) imprisoned.[121] According to Sanusi, there was no choice but to attack the powerful and interrelated vested interests who were exploiting the financial system. Sanusi has spoken out against the fuel subsidy – he cites the high level of corruption and the inefficiency of subsidizing consumption instead of production (leading to slower economic growth), and the fact that the government borrows money to finance the subsidy—taxing future generations so present Nigerians can consume more fuel.[122]
Sanusi revealed that Nigeria lost a billion dollars a month to diversion of funds under the Jonathan administration.[123] The
PBS segment quoted American and British officials that former petroleum minister
Diezani Alison-Madueke might have organized a diversion of $6 billion (₦1.2 trillion) from the Nigerian treasury.[124] Alison-Madueke said Sanusi made the allegations due to her refusal to get him appointed as President of the
African Development Bank, which Sanusi rejected.[125] In 2015, Alison-Madueke was arrested in London.[126] Sanusi has criticised
Buhari's anti-corruption war, arguing that his administration's
foreign exchange policy is creating a
nouveau riche class and promoting the rentier economy.[127][128]
Activities
Sanusi's private, humanitarian and intellectual activities include:[129]
Sanusi has spoken at a number of international events,[37][140] including the 2013
World Economic Forum.[36] As Emir of Kano, he travelled extensively including as part of a United Nations delegation to the
Svalbard seed vault.[141] In August 2023, during the crisis following the coup d'état in Niger, he went to Niamey to mediate with the putschists, and notably met Abdourahamane Tchiani. He announces that he wants to send Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, of whom he is a close friend, a message from them. However, he claims not to act as a “government emissary”.[142]
Sanusi is the first Dabo prince to become emir in the two centuries rule of the family without his father reigning. His patriline is the line from which he is descended father to son.
Patrilineal descent is the principle behind membership in royal houses, as it can be traced back through the generations, which means that Sanusi is a member of the
Dabo dynasty.
Royal House of Kano
Descent is traced back patrilineally to
Ibrahim Dabo
Ibrahim Dabo dan Mahmudu (ruled 1819–1846)
Usman I Maje Ringim dan Dabo (ruled 1846–1855)
Abdullahi Maje Karofi dan Dabo (ruled 1855–1883)
Muhammadu Bello dan Dabo (ruled 1883–1893)
Muhammadu Tukur dan Bello (ruled 1893–1894)
Aliyu Babba dan Maje Karofi (ruled 1894–1903)
Muhammad Abbass Dan Maje Karofi (ruled 1903–1919)
Usman II dan Maje Karofi (ruled 1919–1926)
Abdullahi Bayero Dan Abbas (ruled 1926–1953)
Muhammadu Sanusi I Dan Bayero (ruled 1954–1963)
Muhammad Inuwa Dan Abbas (ruled 1963 - he served for 3 months only)
Ado Bayero Dan Abdu Bayero (ruled 1963–2014)
Muhammadu Sanusi II dan Aminu Sanusi (ruled 2014–2020)
Aminu Ado Bayero (2020–2024)
Muhammadu Sanusi II dan Aminu Sanusi (2024-)
Writings
For the Good of the Nation - an outline of Muhammadu Sanusi II's opinion of the optimal course for Nigeria[94]
Muhammadu Sanusi II has written a number of articles on social matters (the family and women), political matters (globalization), legal issues (Islamic law and constitutionalism), historical topics (the Fulani in History), and several pieces on political economy.[155]