Kano, Nigeria – The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has taken a firm stance against domestic violence, specifically targeting traditional titleholders under his jurisdiction. Speaking on Monday at the 2024 National Dialogue on the Role of Islamic Opinion Leaders in Preventing Gender-Based Violence in Northern Nigeria, held at Bayero University, Kano (BUK), the Emir declared that any traditional leader found guilty of wife-beating would lose their title.
The Emir’s remarks come as part of a broader effort to combat gender-based violence, which he described as a blight on societal values and a misuse of cultural practices. He pointed to section 55 of the Nigerian Penal Code, which permits husbands to discipline their wives within customary bounds, as a legal loophole that often perpetuates abuse.
“Any husband who beats his wife for any reason is behaving in a manner unbefitting of humanity. Domestic violence should be outlawed entirely,” Sanusi stated, adding that the government has a role in criminalizing such behavior.
Citing a study conducted in nine Shari’a courts across Kano, Sanusi revealed that 45 percent of cases involved gender-based violence, with many women suffering severe injuries. The Emir recounted disturbing cases of wives enduring broken teeth and jaws due to spousal abuse.
As a father, Sanusi shared his approach when giving his daughters away in marriage. “I always tell their husbands, ‘If you no longer love them, send them back to me—don’t beat them.’ My title holders know this too. If you lay a hand on your wife, you forfeit your title,” he said.
Sanusi advocated for Nigeria to draw inspiration from family laws in Islamic countries that uphold marriage as a union based on love, respect, and mercy, while strictly prohibiting domestic violence. He urged lawmakers and Islamic scholars to collaborate on revising existing laws to protect women and preserve family harmony.
The event, organized as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, featured contributions from several stakeholders. Dr. Taofeek Abubakar Hussein, Director of the Centre for Islamic Civilisation and Interfaith Dialogue at BUK, emphasized the center’s dedication to promoting peaceful coexistence and eliminating violence through Islamic teachings.
Dr. Hassan Karofi, Director of Partnership and Strategic Communications at the Development Research and Projects Centre, underscored the significance of engaging communities and religious leaders in addressing domestic violence.
The dialogue served as a rallying call for legal reforms, greater accountability, and a cultural shift in attitudes toward gender-based violence. Emir Sanusi’s proactive stance sets an example for other leaders, positioning traditional and religious authorities as critical allies in the fight against abuse.
With a united front from leaders, scholars, and the community, Northern Nigeria could take a pivotal step toward ensuring the safety and dignity of women and fostering a society built on mutual respect and compassion.
