Often, traditional rulers are seen as semi-divine, decked in gold-threaded robes and riding on the perks of power. It’s not every day you hear a monarch admit that the throne brought more hardship than honor. But then again, Muhammadu Sanusi II has never been your average royal.
The Ex-Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria shook the room—and the country—when he confessed at a recent public lecture that he “did not know poverty until he became Emir.”
Wait, what? A man who once dictated national monetary policy and moved in circles where oil blocks and private jets are mere accessories is now claiming the palace made him poor—not just financially, but mentally and emotionally poor from seeing the daily despair that plagues his people. It’s not a joke, and it’s not just a soundbite. It’s a reality check wrapped in royal regalia.
In a brutally honest critique of Nigeria’s development paradox, Sanusi revealed that it wasn’t the World Bank reports or IMF statistics that opened his eyes to the nation’s rot—it was the screams of neglected villagers, the sight of children drinking from gutters, and the stinging contrast between flyovers in Abuja and forgotten communities in rural Kano.
He may have lost the throne, but in that loss came clarity: Nigeria’s poverty is not just a policy failure—it’s a betrayal by its leaders.
And what does it say when a throne meant to command respect becomes a front-row seat to the country’s engineered underdevelopment?
Buckle up. This is not your typical poverty story. It’s one man’s transition from power to purpose—and a scathing exposé on how even kings can be made painfully aware of the hell everyday Nigerians live through.
From Data To Direct Experience
You see, Sanusi’s transition from the analytical world of economics to the traditional leadership of Kano provided him with firsthand exposure to the daily struggles of ordinary Nigerians.
Meanwhile, recounted witnessing villagers consuming contaminated water, children studying in dilapidated classrooms without roofs, and communities lacking basic healthcare facilities.
These experiences underscored the limitations of relying solely on data to understand the multifaceted nature of poverty.
Urban Development vs. Rural Neglect
Critiquing the nation’s development priorities, Sanusi highlighted the disproportionate focus on urban infrastructure—such as overhead bridges and underpasses—while rural areas remain deprived of essential services.
Also, questioned the genuine commitment of the elite to the welfare of the populace, emphasising the need for development strategies that are inclusive and empathetic.
A Call For Empathetic Leadership
Sanusi’s revelations serve as a clarion call for leaders to bridge the gap between policy formulation and the lived realities of citizens.
Also Read: Emir Sanusi to beggars: Stop begging individuals, beg government
He advocates for leadership that is grounded in empathy, urging policymakers to engage directly with communities to inform more effective and compassionate governance.
Bridging The Divide
His reflections underscore the imperative for Nigeria’s leadership to move beyond superficial metrics and engage deeply with the structural issues perpetuating poverty.
By aligning development efforts with the actual needs of the populace, there lies the potential to foster a more equitable and prosperous society.
