Pomp as Sanusi is turbaned Danmajen Kano

The occasion was attended by many dignitaries, among them state governors, legislators, ministers, bank chiefs, captains of industries and members of the business community. Also in attendance, were traditional leaders, former state governors and political party chieftains.   The ancient palace of Emir of Kano became agog with well-wishers and security personnel as early as […]

The occasion was attended by many dignitaries, among them state governors, legislators, ministers, bank chiefs, captains of industries and members of the business community. Also in attendance, were traditional leaders, former state governors and political party chieftains.

 

The ancient palace of Emir of Kano became agog with well-wishers and security personnel as early as 5:00am. The palace was decorated with colours of the emirate on the canopies set for guests. Aides and traditional title holders were seen dressed in ceremonial regalia.

There was also a large security deployment within and around the palace, while military helicopters conducted aerial patrol. Equally, there was massive security presence all over the city.

The ceremony commenced around 9am, when the Emir of Kano began receiving dignitaries at Zauren Ingila part of the palace. As he arrived the venue, the CBN governor walked straight into a mosque and observed a two raka’at prayer in line with the tradition of the Kano Emirate before a title is conferred.

As he emerged from the mosque, Sanusi was led to the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, where he was turbaned as the new Danmajen Kano.

Historically, the title of Danmaje was introduced into the Kano Emirate by Emir of Kano Muhammadu Kisoki, the grandson of Emir of Kano Rumfa, 250 years before the Fulani dynasty. The Fulanis, however, having established the Sullubawa dynasty, inherited the title from the Habe dynasty. Emir Ali Abdullahi, popularly known as Sarki Alu, once held the title under the Sullabawa reign.

Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi was born in Kano on July 31, 1961 to the family of Ambassador Muhammad Aminu Sanusi (CON). His father was the 17th  Ciroma of Kano under the Fulani dynasty. His father had inherited the title of Ciroman Kano from his own father, the 11th Emir of Kano, Sir Muhammadu Sanusi.

Governor Sanusi, now the Danmajen Kano, holds B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Economics from the Ahmadu Bello University,Zaria and a B.A. degree (1st Class Honours) in Shariah and Islamic Studies from the International University of Africa, Khartoum, Sudan, respectively.

He has been awarded honorary doctorate degrees by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, University of Jos, Bayero University Kano, the University of Benin, and Benue State University, Makurdi.

In his address during the ceremony, the Emir of Kano Alhaji Ado Bayero said the Kano Emirate Council has decided to bestow the title on the CBN Governor because of his qualifications and exposure, as well as acts of philanthropy and patriotism that have earned him recognition at home and abroad.

The emir said the council was impressed by Sanusi’s efforts at reviving the banking sector and the nation’s economy. “We enjoin you to continue to use your knowledge and exposure for the development of Kano State and Nigeria,” he said. The monarch also advised the CBN Governor to shun unconstructive criticism by detractors and concentrate on his job of serving the country.

In his remarks, former Kano State Governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, described the turbaning of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the Danmajen Kano as a well deserved gesture. He prayed for him to succeed in all his future undertakings.

Among the dignitaries at the occasion, were Generals Muhammadu Buhari and  Theophilus Danjuma,   Speaker House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Governors of Gombe, Sokoto, Jigawa, Ekiti, Ondo, Osun, Edo and Deputy Governor of Zamfara. Senate President was represented by Senator Bashir Lado.

Also present were the Ministers of Education and Women Affairs, Senators Danjuma Goje and Ahmed Sani, former EFCC boss Farida Waziri, former Borno State governor Ali Madu Shariff, Sen Adamu Aleiro, former governors of Lagos and Ogun States, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinibu  and Governor Gbenga Daniel respectively. Others include former FCT Minister Nasir el-Rufai, ThisDay publisher Nduka Obaigbena.