Sanusi, who previously served as governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, said many people mistakenly assume that individuals alone control power and outcomes. According to him, such thinking overlooks the reality that life’s circumstances ultimately change according to the will of God.
The monarch reflected on the challenges he faced after his suspension as CBN governor and his later removal from the Kano throne, explaining that his belief in divine destiny helped him endure those periods without losing composure.
Speaking during the Fola Adeola Annual Ramadan Lecture, Sanusi used his personal experiences to illustrate how rapidly fortunes can shift in public life.
According to the former central banker, events unfolded in ways that clearly showed how unpredictable positions of authority can be.
“I was suspended from being governor of the central bank. Three months later, I became an emir,” he recalled.
Sanusi further noted that his journey took another dramatic turn years later when he was removed from the throne of Kano, only to return to the palace several years afterward.
“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 said.
The royal father emphasized that losing prestigious positions should not be interpreted as the end of a person’s mission or relevance in life. Instead, he advised people to remain guided by their values and moral principles regardless of the circumstances they face.
Sanusi explained that his personal standard has always been to evaluate his actions based on whether they align with his faith rather than whether they secure or preserve positions of authority.
“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.
He added that maintaining integrity is more important than clinging to power at the expense of one’s beliefs.
“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 stated.
Emir Sanusi switches to virtual classes
Meanwhile, Sanusi has reportedly adjusted how he attends his academic programme while pursuing a Law degree at Northwest University Kano.
Sources familiar with the arrangement disclosed that the emir recently stopped attending physical lectures on campus, opting instead to participate in classes virtually.
The change, according to insiders, was primarily influenced by the demanding security arrangements required for a traditional ruler of his status.
Despite the shift to online learning, academic sources described the emir as a highly dedicated student who remains active and engaged in class discussions.
Lecturers and fellow students reportedly view him as intellectually vibrant and consistently participative during virtual lectures, demonstrating the same commitment to learning that has defined his public career.
