By Prosper Mene
The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has strongly condemned domestic violence against women, declaring that no cultural justification can excuse a man beating his wife or any woman.
In a recent interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, the revered monarch and former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor emphasized that violence against women stems not from African or traditional culture, but from unequal power dynamics where men exploit authority over unprotected women.
“Violence happens in all societies. It’s not about an African culture. It’s about power relations where you have men having power, and women are not protected; men will take advantage of that power and oppress them,” Sanusi stated.
He further asserted the supremacy of fundamental human rights and Nigerian law over any customary practices that might tolerate such abuse.
“Those rights are inviolable. You cannot violate them in the name of a culture. You cannot beat a woman because your culture says you can beat her. She’s a Nigerian citizen entitled to protection. It doesn’t matter what you think because these are the values that we live by in this time,” he added.
Sanusi’s remarks highlight ongoing concerns about gender-based violence in Nigeria, including interpretations of certain customary or penal code provisions (such as Section 55 of the Northern Penal Code) that have historically been misused to permit “correction” of wives under the guise of tradition. He has previously advocated for reforms, including stiffer punishments for perpetrators and reviews of family laws to better protect women.
The Emir’s progressive stance aligns with his long-standing advocacy for women’s rights, dignity, and equality within Islamic and societal frameworks. He has repeatedly stressed that true Islamic teachings uphold women’s respect and prohibit abuse, urging leaders and communities to reject violence in all forms.
