The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has issued a strong public rebuke of domestic violence and harmful traditional practices, saying cultural norms cannot be used to justify abuse against women and children.
In an interview with a national television station on Wednesday, Sanusi stressed that no cultural belief should allow physical or emotional harm.
“You cannot beat a woman because your culture says you can beat her,” he said, underscoring that every Nigerian is entitled to legal protection and human dignity.
Sanusi, a former governor of Nigeria’s central bank and one of the country’s most influential traditional figures, also addressed the issue of child marriage, particularly in rural communities.
He argued that many families resort to early marriage not because of culture alone but due to poverty and a lack of access to education and basic services.
Highlighting structural challenges, he noted that remote areas often lack schools, safe roads, and essential government services, leaving vulnerable girls with few alternatives.
Sanusi called for a shift in focus from blaming culture to tackling deeper social issues that perpetuate inequality and abuse.
The Emir’s comments come amid ongoing national debates about gender-based violence and legal protections in Nigeria, where activists and civil society groups have been pushing for stronger enforcement of laws safeguarding women’s and children’s rights.
