Sanusi Condemns Domestic Violence, Says Culture Cannot Justify Abuse of Women

|By Chinwendu Nwani

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has strongly condemned domestic violence against women, insisting that no culture or tradition justifies abuse.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Wednesday, Sanusi declared it wrong for any man to beat a woman under the guise of cultural norms, stressing that such actions amount to a violation of fundamental human rights.

The monarch argued that domestic violence is not unique to African societies but stems from unequal power relations where men dominate and women lack adequate protection. According to him, men often exploit this imbalance to oppress women and other vulnerable groups.

“Violence happens in all societies. It’s not about African culture. It’s about power relations,” Sanusi said, noting that women, children, the poor, and persons with disabilities frequently bear the brunt of such abuse.

He highlighted disturbing realities in hospitals across the country, where women suffering from physical disabilities and children subjected to sexual abuse are treated as victims of violence, underscoring the scale of the problem.

Sanusi emphasized that all Nigerians are citizens with inviolable rights that must be protected at all times. He warned against using culture as a shield for abuse, stressing that societal values must evolve to reflect respect for human dignity.

“You cannot beat a woman because your culture says you can. She is a Nigerian citizen entitled to protection,” the Emir stated, adding that personal beliefs or traditions cannot override the rights guaranteed to every individual.