‘The days Allah destined are numbered’: Emir Sanusi’s parting words

Just before deposed Kano Emir Muhammadu Sanusi was whisked out of the palace, on his way to exile in Loko, Nasarawa State, he spoke in a recorded video, in which he attributed his fate to an act of Allah.

“With almost six years on this throne and (in charge of) our heritage. Today, the almighty Allah, who gave me the leadership has destined to take it back,” Sanusi said, in a transcript published by Premium Times.

“As I always say, leadership has predetermined tenure, the days Allah destined are numbered. When the days come to an end one must leave.

“We have accepted whatever Allah decides. We have agreed. We appreciate (God). We are happy and we know it is what is best for us.

“We enjoin everyone to remain peaceful. We have directed our family, our children and those that support us that whoever gets it and is endorsed by the people they should pay allegiance to him.

“They should follow him (the new emir). They should guard his honour and dignity because that is also the honour and dignity of this palace.”

“It is a thing of pride that made us to rule and end in the same fashion as Halifa,” he said using his grandfather’s sobriquet.

Sanusi’s grandfather was also deposed 57 years ago.