The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has condemned domestic violence against women, asserting that no cultural norm justifies the abuse of women in Nigerian society.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday, the monarch stressed that violence is about power imbalances, not culture, noting that men often exploit their authority to oppress women.
“Violence happens in all societies. It’s not about an African culture. It’s about power relations where men have power, and women are not protected; men will take advantage of that power and oppress them,” Sanusi said.
He highlighted the vulnerability of women, children, the poor, and disabled persons, noting that hospitals often treat victims of domestic abuse and pediatric sexual abuse.
“We need to first of all say that as a country, we have citizens and human beings, and they have rights. 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,” he added.
On the issue of child marriage in parts of northern Nigeria, Sanusi linked its persistence to inadequate schooling and limited opportunities for young girls beyond primary education.
“We’re talking about child marriage, but you go to some parts of the north, there’s a primary school and that’s it. Between 11 and 18, what arrangements have you made for her? The poor man basically finds that she’s 12 or 13; he’s afraid she can get pregnant on the road, and the next young man that comes, he marries her off. Sometimes these cultures basically reflect poverty,” he said.
The emir also criticised urban perspectives that fail to account for rural realities, including unsafe roads, distant schools, and lacking local government services.
“It’s easy to blame culture. It’s easy to blame a victim. But the government has not provided the schools,” he noted.
