Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, also known by his regnal name Muhammad Sanusi II, served as the Emir of Kano from June 8, 2014, to March 9, 2020, and was the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria from June 3, 2009, to February 14, 2014. He has been the current Emir of Kano since May 23, 2024. Born on July 31, 1961, in Kano State, Nigeria, he comes from the ruling class Fulani family of the Sullubawa clan. His father was a diplomat who served as ambassador to China, Canada, and Belgium.
Sanusi Lamido was introduced to religious knowledge at home, where he studied Hadith and the Qur’an. He pursued Islamic Studies at the International University of Africa, becoming fluent in Arabic and well-versed in Islamic law and principles, as well as familiar with the four Islamic schools of thought.
He attended Annes Primary School in Kaduna and King’s College in Lagos. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Economics from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and later returned to the university to complete a master’s degree in Economics. He subsequently taught at the university's faculty for two years.
Sanusi Lamido Sanusi was appointed to succeed his granduncle Ado Bayero as Emir of Kano on June 8, 2014. However, he was dethroned on March 9, 2020, by Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, who alleged that Sanusi Lamido violated traditional practices. He was reinstated four years later, on May 23, 2024, by the new Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf.
In addition to his royal and governmental roles, Sanusi is involved in various private, humanitarian, and intellectual activities. These include serving as an academic visitor at the University of Oxford, Chairman of the Advisory Board of 1 Million Teachers, an independent non-executive director at MTN Group, and Chancellor of Kaduna State University.