How a banker became an African king
Until a few months ago, Lamido Sanusi was a banker, wearing nice, expensive suits and smart ties. During his 30 years at the bank, he achieved great success and was included in the list of 100 most influential people according to the Times newspaper. And today, Lamido Sanusi is the most powerful monarch in Nigeria. How a banker became an African king, read here.
(Total 12 photos)
1. Lamido Sanusi, grandson of the 11th Emir of Kano, was appointed head of the Central Bank of Nigeria in 2009. But even before the expiration of his 5-year contract, he was removed from office by President G. Jonathan for ... revealing a gigantic embezzlement of public funds by a person from the president's entourage. (Photo: Joe Penney / Reuters).
2. A few months ago, Lamido Sanusi was elected emir of Kano, succeeding his uncle Ado Bayero. His choice caused a lot of controversy, since it was expected that the Emir's successor would be the son of Bayero, whose supporters strongly protested against the swearing in of Sanusi. It was rumored that this was a political decision to cover up the Nigerian Central Bank fraud case, and Sanusi was known for speaking out against the corrupt ruling regime. (Photo: Stringer/Reuters).
3. Today Lamido Sanusi is the most powerful man in Nigeria. He wears long dresses and white veils that hide his face, and his duties include reciting the Qur'an and blessing visitors who bow to him from the waist up. (Photo: Stringer/Reuters).
4. The first months as emir were not easy for him. After a series of suicide attacks, Muhammad Sanusi II even had to cancel the traditional end of Ramadan ceremony. (Photo: Joe Penney / Reuters).
5. The Kingdom of Kano, which arose in the 10th century, lasted 3 centuries. The first settlements in the Kano region were founded by the Hausa people, who lived by hunting and gathering and revered the cult of Tsumburbura. Islamization of the Hausa people most likely occurred in the 12th century. Currently, Kano is under the leadership of the Sokoto Caliphate, a remnant of the Islamic Empire, which was created by the Fulbe people under the leadership of Imam Usman Dan Fodio. (Photo: Joe Penney / Reuters).
6. At the beginning of the nineteenth century, the Empire occupied the territory of the northern part of Nigeria, part of the modern Republic of Niger, Benin and Cameroon. Almost a hundred years later, these territories were divided between the British and French colonialists. (Photo: Joe Penney / Reuters).
7. The British abandoned traditional Islamic territories in the north, in contrast to the Christian areas in the south, where their rule was much stronger. Therefore, at present, the "Islamic kingdoms" have a very large influence, perhaps even more than power. In the photo: the palace of the Emir Kano. (Photo: Joe Penney / Reuters).
8. Kano - the largest city in northern Nigeria - is a center of trade and an important transport hub. Therefore, the Emir of Kano is considered the most powerful monarch in Nigeria, but he himself is subordinate to the Sultan of Sokoto. In the photo: a servant in the palace of the emir. (Photo: Joe Penney / Reuters).
9. The state of Kano has Sharia law (as well as 11 other states in Nigeria). Nigerian Sharia law is very strict: women must cover their faces, and crimes face punishments such as flogging, amputation or stoning. The state of Kano has a "sharia" police called Hisbach, which considers itself the police of the state. They are engaged not only in teaching in religious matters, but also arrest homosexuals and prostitutes, and also fight against the alcohol trade. In the photo: the Emir's guests pray during a reception at the palace. (Photo: Joe Penney / Reuters).
10. A local hunter shoots during the celebration of the first Ramadan Sanusi as Emir Muhammad Sanusi II. (Photo: Joe Penney / Reuters).
11. Sanusi leaves the Grand Mosque after Friday prayers during Ramadan. Bodyguards escort him all the way to the emir's palace (Photo: Joe Penney / Reuters).
12. Muhammad Sanusi II greets guests in his palace, and after a while he will read the traditional prayer. (Photo: Joe Penney / Reuters).