Royalty is indeed sweet, the respect, allure and grand opulence that comes with it soothes the heart but royalty is innate. He might have been dethroned by the Governor of Kano State Dr. Abdulahai Ganduje but the blue blood in his veins still flows with much ado. Former Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi still commands much respect among all sundry. The reason he is being accorded that much respect even when he ceases to be the emir ancient Kano Emirate still raises concern as his influence keeps looming large like a wildfire. To some, his dethronement is politically motivated while some are indifferent but in all, he was a crusader for good governance and also spoke against the ills militating against the attainment of a just society.
When he was dethroned in March 2020, it didn’t come as a shock to many as he has been facing a battle with the governor of the state. The story went round the nooks and crannies of the state and beyond as he was asked to leave the state to allow the enthronement of a new emir. The former Governor of Central bank was unperturbed and unruffled that he calmed his supporters as he told them to desist from any form of violence and shun destruction as he pleaded with them to accept it as a wish from the almighty. He left immediately and relocated to Nasarawa state.
One year after his dethronement saga, his popularity has transcended the shores of Nigeria more and Nigerians accorded him more respect like the Emir. Any functions he graces, his entrance is always grand with a display of royal opulence. He still proves the popular axiom; ‘Kings were born not made’ right. The royalty in him keeps oozing out at every point. His royal entourage and presence can hardly go unnoticed. Since his removal, he had always had a very good outing.
Last Saturday at the installation of his close ally high Chief Kola Karim as the Agba Oye of Ibadan Land at the Popo Yemoja’s palace of the Olubadan of Ibadan Land, the Economics graduate from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaira has yet another successful outing laced with a grand reception at the Olubadan’s palace. When he arrived in a Black Benz in the company his royal aides, decked in his regal white turban, white and yellow patterned innerwear and a black and white dotted robe, his presence changed the atmosphere. He was well received and treated like a king. He calmly walked down into the palace seated beside the Olubadan as guests came to pay homage to him. At the Reception hall, he was also seated beside the Ooni of Ife Oba Ogunwusi Adeyeye in his royal robe.
Sources said the former emir has remained a first-class citizen even after his dethronement. “He will keep speaking against issues that affect the growth of the northern part of Nigeria. He would be 60 in the next few months; plans are already in place to give him a befitting 60th birthday celebration amidst pomp. He would forever be revered and respected for his giant strides in uplifting his people.”
