Our Sanusi Lamido Sanusi Biography tells you Facts about his Childhood Story, Early Life, Parents, – Saudatu Hussain (Mother), Aminu Sanusi (Father), Family Background, Siblings, Wives (Sadiya Ado Bayero, Maryam, Rakiya, and Sadiya Ado Bayero), Children, etc.
The Life story of the former Emir of Kano involves his Boyhood life story before fame and many little-known facts about him.
We give you a tale of his life journey, right from when he was a child to when he became popular.
Yes, everyone knows he was a one-time governor of the central bank of Nigeria and the 14th Emir of Kano, who got dethroned.
However, only a few consider Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s biography, which is quite interesting. Now, without further ado, let’s begin.
Sanusi Lamido Sanusi Childhood Story:
For Biography starters, he is nicknamed “SLS“. Sanusi Lamido Sanusi was born on the 31st day of July 1961 in Kano, Nigeria to his mother, Saudatu Hussain, and father, Aminu Sanusi in the city of Kano, Nigeria.
Muhammadu Sanusi II, as he is traditionally called, was the first of three children born of the union between his parents.
He spent his early years in Kano, a city known to be the commercial nerve centre of Northern Nigeria and the second most populous state in Nigeria (approximately 9 Million people).
Sanusi Lamido Family Origin:
Muhammadu Sanusi II hails from the Fulani ethnic group with family origin traced to the Sullubawa clan.
Did you know?… The Sullubawa is a Fulani clan in Northern Nigeria whose extended family members are traditional rulers of Kano and Katsina.
They are said to have originated in Futa Toro, in what is now called Senegal (the West African country).
Sanusi Lamido Family Background:
The ex-Emir was born into a wealthy-class family background. As a child, he enjoyed all the basic amenities and privileges he needed to flourish.
More importantly, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s parents played a very important role in helping him achieve the success he enjoys today.
Being born into the family of the royal lineage, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s family enjoyed great benefits, especially from Nigerian colonial masters- the British.
Early on, Sanusi was taught about the duties and responsibilities of all members of his royal bloodline.
He noted down the achievements and histories of the past emirs so as to adequately prepare himself for future responsibilities if the need arose. This was not limited to accompanying family members to high-profile Royal meetings.
The picture above is a rare Childhood Photo of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi where he is pictured alongside Emir Muhammdu Sanusi 1 (his granddad) and Ahmadu Bello (Premier of Northern Nigeria) greeting their colonial officer guests.
The guest was no other than Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, Prince Philip, during their visit to Kano in 1956.
Sanusi Lamido Early Life:
Muhammadu Sanusi II grew up at a time Western Education was only pursued by mostly rich families in the North.
Did you know?… Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s family members were among the first to receive Western education in the state, a feat that led to the formation of Bayero University, Kano (BUK).
As a child, Sanusi saw most of his extended family members dominate the university both as students and lecturers.
Learning western education turned out to be more demanding, as Sanusi had to forfeit part of his playing time to catch up with a few assignments.
Trusting his father’s words on the future benefits of western knowledge, the future emir took on the challenges.
Sanusi Lamido Sanusi Education:
Back then in the early ’70s, King’s College was the best education destination for most rich kids of Northern Nigeria.
Without thinking twice, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s parents early on ensured their son leave Kano for Lagos in order to pursue his secondary education.
Lamido Sanusi’s education was characterized by determination and passion for success. His efforts did not prove to be abortive, as he was able to graduate from King’s College in 1977.
Upon graduation, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s parents were still bent on improving their son’s academic profile. As a result, they pushed for him to have versatile knowledge in business. This saw him proceeding to study Economics at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
In the year 1981, Sanusi graduated from Ahmadu Bello University with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics. He later opted-in for a two years master’s degree in Economics at the same University.
His First Job was Lecturing:
Did you know?… Sanusi Lamido Sanusi was offered a lecturing job by Ahmadu Bello University upon the successful completion of his master’s degree program. Below is a photo of his early days as a young lecturer.
Without wasting time, the future emir accepted the offer and lectured for about two years before proceeding into a full-time professional banking career.
Early Banking Career:
Did you know?… Sanusi began his banking career in the year 1985 when he was hired by Icon Limited and Barings Bank.
Back then, he had an unquenchable desire for excellence prompted. From 1985 to the mid-1990s, he worked at Icon, a subsidiary of Morgan Guaranty Trust Bank of New York and later, Baring Brothers of London (Barings Bank) and later, UBA.
At UBA, Sanusi worked in the credit and risk management division where he grew to occupy various managerial positions. Pictured below is the young and promising banker in the year 1997.
Amassing a tone of managerial experience, Sanusi rose to the rank of general manager at UBA. As time passes by, so does his portfolio increase.
In 2005, he became a board member and executive director in charge of risk and management control at First Bank of Nigeria.
Did you know?… Sanusi served as the CEO of First Bank of Nigeria prior to his nomination as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
More so, it was late president Umaru Musa Yar’Adua (NOT Goodluck Jonathan) that appointed Sanusi as CBN Governor on the 1st day of June 2009.
Sanusi Lamido Sanusi Biography – Road to Fame Story:
Appointed as the CBN governor as confirmed by the Nigeria Senate on the 3rd-day of June 2009, Sanusi instituted several banking reforms that were geared at restructuring the financial sector and improving Nigeria’s economy.
Part of his reform was the consolidation process, one which reduced the number of Nigerian banks. This policy led to mergers and acquisitions between banks thereby strengthening and making them more accountable to depositors.
The issue with Goodluck Jonathan:
Sanusi faced a lot of positive and negative criticism as a result of implementing his reform in the banking sector.
In his quest to promote anti-corruption in the financial sector of Nigeria, he raised an alarm on the US$20 billion NNPC scandal. This led to his suspension by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.
Lamido Sanusi Bio – Rise to Fame Story:
Following his suspension by former Nigerian President, the Ex-CBN Governor returned to Kano. Rather than crumble, he went from strength to strength.
Sanusi got compensated after he got selected to succeed one of his extended family members- his granduncle, Ado Bayero, as the Emir of Kano.
Amidst several controversies over his appointment, Sanusi – Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II – was crowned the 14th Emir of Kano and leader of the Tijaniyya Sufi Order, on the 9th day of June 2014.
Fast forward to the time of writing Sanusi Lamido Sanusi Biography, he has made quite a tone of outstanding achievements which has echoed his fame all around the world. Some of it includes the following;
First, Sanusi pushed for an end to child marriage and called for a proper population planning in order to reduce the poverty rate in the northern region of Nigeria. He also remarked that polygamy was contributing to the increasing rate of poverty in the region.
However, his recommendations for building more schools instead of mosques in the north triggered a lot of controversial statements towards his goodwill.
More so, while enthroned as the Emir of Kano, Sanusi got concerned about political matters, one which made him often criticize the Kano government for misplaced priorities.
In 2019, the governor of Kano state, Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje in retaliation created four new emirates thereby reducing the traditional domain under the jurisdiction of Sanusi to over 10 local government areas out of 44 in the state.
Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s dethronement got him even more popular by Nigerians. The rest, as they say, is history.
Sanusi Lamido Sanusi Marriages:
Moving on to his relationship life, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi has been involved in several relationships. Below are further pieces of information about Sanusi Lamido’s relationship life.
Who are Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s Wives?
The former Emir of Kano has three wives. Starting off, Sanusi’s first wife is the sister of the current Emir, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, and the daughter of the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero.
Lamido Sanusi and Sadiya started their relationship as teenage sweethearts. Their relationship took them from bestie status to one which denotes true love.
Below is a rare throwback picture of Sanusi and his first wife (Sadiya Ado Bayero) as he (Sanusi) appeared very loved up.
According to Sanusi, the woman in his life—Sadiya, has been a pillar of stability and also a pillar of peace in all his trying periods.
Both lovebirds grew in love as they went on to have a successful long-term relationship. According to PmNewsNigeria, they got married in the year 1988.
After fruitful years of marriage to Sadiya Ado Bayero, Sanusi as religion permits went on to marry two other wives. Pictured below are Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s wives; Maryam, Rakiya, and Sadiya Ado Bayero.
Who was Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s Girlfriend?
In the early hours of June 2nd, 2013, the PremiumTimes reported about the extramarital affair between the then CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido and his subordinate, Mrs. Maryam Yaro, who was an assistant director in the CBN.
Premium Times also disclosed the romantic conversation that went on between Sanusi and his supposed girlfriend, Mrs. Maryam a day before the board of Central Bank of Nigeria was due to meet.
The news about Sanusi’s extramarital affairs raised a lot of questions as well as different public sentiments.
Who are Sanusi Lamido’s Children?:
Sanusi’s marriage with his wives resulted in the birth of several beautiful children. They include; Khadija Lamido Sanusi, Fulani Siddika Sanusi, Ashraf Sanusi and Shahida Sanusi.
The picture below will give you a glimpse into Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s family life. Khadija Lamido Sanusi is one of the eldest the most outspoken among his children.
Sanusi Lamido Sanusi Family Life:
It is often said that the apple does not fall far from the apple tree. By extension, Sanusi had to live up to the standard of royalty since he was born into the family of royal blood.
In this section, we’ll present you with more Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s parents and the rest of his family members.
About Sanusi Lamido’s Mother:
Hajiya Hafsat Aminu Sanusi (aka Hajia Anduwa or Saudatu Hussain) is a good mother with a personality of always being concerned about the success of her children.
Even at the time of his dethronement, Sanusi’s mother has always supported him and she does that through thick and thin.
Did you know?… Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s mum, despite her age, went the extra mile to journey with her son to exile (in Awe, Nasarawa) after his dethronement as Emir. She is without a doubt a great mum.
Even while her son was an Emir, Hajiya Hafsat Aminu Sanusi played the role of one of his principal advisers.
Back then, she lived in the royal house called Babban Daki (house meant for the mother of the emir). Below is the mother of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi playing her old role.
About Sanusi Lamido’s Father:
Great fathers have produced great sons and Aminu Sanusi isn’t an exception. Did you know?… The father of Sanusi Lamido was a diplomat who once served as Nigerian Ambassador to China, Belgium, and Canada.
Sanusi’s father also served as the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as the Ciroma of Kano.
According to research, the number one person who has influenced Sanusi with the managerial characteristics he so possessed today is his dad. Growing up under the wings of his father, Sanusi developed an unquenchable drive for a leadership role.
This feat prompted him to declare that his future ambition was to become the emir of Kano. Of course, the young lad was able to fulfill his life long dream in the latter days all thanks to his super dad.
About Sanusi Lamido’s Siblings:
Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s parents gave birth to three children- himself, a male and a female child. His siblings include; Wambai Sanusi (younger brother), and Zainab Sanusi (younger sister). Both of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s siblings have also accomplished great things, but no way near their elder brother.
Did you know?… Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s brother, Abubakar Wambai Sanusi as at 2010 was an economics lecturer at Bayero University, Kano. In that year, his younger sister, Zainab Sanusi was bagged her Master’s degree in the same university.
About Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s Grandfather:
Muhammadu Sanusi I was Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s grandfather (from his father’s side). Just like his grandson, Muhammadu Sanusi I was also an emir in his days. He was the 11th emir of Kano before his dethronement in 1963.
Like grandfather and grandson, I would say, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s grandfather was extremely influential in the northern region.
In the earlier section of our Sanusi Lamido Sanusi Childhood Story, Muhammadu Sanusi I was pictured alongside his grandson at the time he hosted Queen Elizabeth II who visited Kano in 1956.
As at the time of writing, we know not much information concerning Sanusi Lamido’s paternal grandmother and maternal grandparents.
About Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s Relatives:
Did you know?… Some of the earliest professors of Bayero University Kano, are Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s uncles. This also includes a former Provost who is also his maternal uncle.
Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s uncles were associated with the Bayero University from its earliest days. They include Professor Shehu Galadanci (Arabic), late Professor Muhammad Kabir Galadanci (Hausa), and besides them countless uncles and cousins on BUK’s academic staff roster.
Others namely; AVM Nura Imam (rtd,) and Alhaji Tijjani Sanusi are also illustrious sons of Kano City. Not much information is known about Sanusi’s Aunts as well as his nephews and nieces.
Sanusi Lamido Sanusi Personal Life:
What makes Sanusi Lamido Sanusi tick?… Sit back as we give you information about the personal life of the dethroned emir of Kano outside his official lifestyle. To begin with, Sanusi’s persona is a blend of the Leo zodiac traits.
We consider Sanusi to be one of the most outspoken Nigerians in public office while he was still serving as the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Aside from his interests in academic excellence, Sanusi has been known to talk less about hobbies.
Sanusi Lamido Sanusi Lifestyle:
The Nigerian Infopedia online news in December 2019 estimated Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s net worth as a whopping sum of $80 million. The source of his wealth stems majorly from his banking career and entrepreneurial activities as well as his enthronement as the emir of Kano.
As the former emir of Kano, Sanusi lived a luxurious lifestyle. And he ensures that he gives his children and wives the best lifestyle they desire. While on the emir throne, Sanusi purchased for himself a Rolls Royce which was worth $418,000.
As at the time he was Emir, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s cars include; 1952 Model Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith (top left), Rolls-Royce Phantom VI (bottom right), Rolls-Royce Phantom VII (bottom left).
while he was Emir, he never had a need to purchase a house. As he lives in the emir’s palace in Kano until his dethronement in march 2020.
Sanusi Lamido Sanusi Facts:
To wrap up our Sanusi Lamido Samido biography, here are some lesser-known facts. Facts about him that will help you grasp a complete picture of his bio.
He Suffered the same Fate as his Grandfather:
It is no longer news that Sanusi, on the 9th day of March 2020, got disposed. By the Governor of Kano state, Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje. Referencing his grandfather, who ended up in the same manner as him, Sanusi remarked;
“It is a thing of pride that made us to rule and end in the same fashion as the Khalifa.”
Although Sanusi did accept his deposition. He did make his request for an exile to Lagos instead of Nassarawa.
Less Known Academic achievements:
Sanusi Lamido holds a degree in Arabic from a Sudanese university. This is the first qualification he did acquire outside Nigerian institutions. More so, he once served as the Chancellor of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) in Nigeria.
Biography Summary:
Our wiki knowledge base helps you find information about the former Emir in a concise and easy way.
| Sanusi Lamido Sanusi Wiki | Answers |
|---|---|
| Full Name: | Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and Muhammadu Sanusi II (Royal Name). |
| Nickname: | SLS (name abbreviation). |
| Born: | 31 July 1961 (age 58 years as at March 2020), Kano Nigeria. |
| Parents: | Hajiya Hafsat Aminu (Mother) and Muhammad Lamido Sanusi (Father). |
| Children: | Khadija Lamido Sanusi, Fulani Siddika Sanusi, Ashraf Sanusi and Shahida Sanusi. |
| Siblings: | Wambai Sanusi (youngder brother) and Zainab Sanusi (younger sister). |
| Grandparents: | Muhammed Sanusi 1 (granddad and former Emir and Kano). |
| Relatives: | Professor Shehu Galadanci, Professor Muhammad Kabir Galadanci, Nura Imam and Alhaji Tijjani Sanusi |
| Education: | Ahmadu Bello University (1981), King's College, Lagos (1977), International University of Africa. |
| Zodiac: | Leo |
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Cole Daxton
Cole Daxton is a talented Childhood Biography Storyteller with a passion for uncovering the untold stories of some of the world's biggest celebrities. With a keen eye for detail, Cole Daxton has spent years delving into the Early Years and Success Stories of some of the most famous people in the world.
