RESPLENDENT
Sanusi Lamido Sanusi Emirship was an Embodiment of What the Traditional Stool/Throne is About - Independent, Aura, and Voice of Reason.
Thank God he was no stooge to anyone.
"Don't ever try to look or act ordinary for people to accept you," Otunba TOS Benson (SAN) once counseled me, when I went to his residence as a student at the Nigerian Law School to seek his endorsement as one of my sponsors to the Nigerian Bar. Looking at me, it dawned on me that he was not comfortable with the fact that I was wearing a suit without a tie.
He took my briefcase and my Call to Bar form from me and told me to go back to my hostel and change. I did. When he saw me the second time, he was amazed by my powerful appearance. In a joyous mood, he took me upstairs and introduced me to his youngest son who was at the time studying for his LL.M. at the University of Lagos.
He entertained me lavishly, playing and dancing to I.K. Dairo high-life hit song of old. We became buddies throughout my remaining months at the Law School. Most often, he would lecture me about respect, nobility, dignity, and the lifestyle and manner of the English Gentlemen. And unfailingly, he would hand me envelope loaded with cash each time I visit.
Later in life, I know how it is to be hated and resented for espousing and sharing a strong political opinion and refusing to be a stooge or a butt kisser. It is better to walk away, holding your head high, than sacrificing your birthright and dispensing your dignity and honor for a pot of portage.
Kings are born, not made. SLS was indeed, a King. His type is not easy to come by. He lived it (royalty) every moment of it. But his royalty status and wealth aside, he did not suffer any disconnect or social distancing. It was always "in your face" jabs at the Northern leadership, which, no doubt, escalated his temporary setback - yes, a temporary setback.
In the past few hours, a lot has been written about him and his misconduct while heading the Apex Bank. Why those allegations were not unearthed while he was at the institution and immediately after, remains troubling.
In spite of everything, for refusing to be a victim of the pomp and pageantry associated with his Kingship and refusing to be alienated from our reality while the Kingship lasted, endeared him to me more than anything.
This is not the end of the road for Mr. Sanusi. This country, to remain one, would need a radical turn around. He embodies the philosophy of that turnaround. And when the time comes, he is going to be a major player. Vice President, Minister of Foreign Affairs, or Ambassador to the UN or the United States of America are in the waiting for him.
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The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.