Why I Did Not Panic After Losing Power – Emir Sanusi Opens Up

The 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has said that many people wrongly attribute power and outcomes to individuals instead of recognizing that events change only by the will of God.

Sanusi made this known at the Fola Adeola Annual Ramadan Lecture, explaining why he remained calm and steadfast after losing two of the most powerful positions.

The monarch, who spoke on resilience and faith, reflected on how his belief in God helped him navigate difficult periods following his suspension as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and his later removal as Emir of Kano.

Sanusi also cautioned against humiliating oneself in pursuit of favour from powerful individuals, noting that many people wrongly believe their fortunes depend entirely on others.

He said, “Too often in our lives, we attribute things to human beings, but they are all created. Remembering that situations are not permanent, that Allah changes your circumstances, helps you cope and conduct yourself.

“I’ve seen people who beg, cringe, and bow to human beings. They humiliate themselves because they feel this person is the one who holds the path to their position.

“I was suspended from being governor of the central bank. Three months later, I became an emir.

“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.”

Sanusi said his time away from Kano after his dethronement was spent pursuing academic work to avoid situations that might have been humiliating.

He also emphasised that losing positions should not be seen as the end of one’s purpose in life, urging people to remain guided by their principles.

He added, “I think of all the things that could have happened if I was in Kano in the last four years, the humiliation I could have faced, the people I would have had to deal with, the people I would have had to report to, but God was so merciful, so kind. He took me away from that. He gave me a chance, I went and did a PhD and I’m back.

“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.

“It’s better for you to leave there and keep to your principles than to stay there and earn the wrath of Allah.”