The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has strongly condemned violence against women and child marriage, insisting that no culture or tradition gives anyone the right to abuse another person.
Speaking during an interview with Channels Television on Wednesday, the former Central Bank governor made it clear that Nigerian law protects every citizen, regardless of gender or background.
“You cannot beat a woman because your culture says you can,” Sanusi said. “She is a Nigerian citizen and is entitled to protection under the law.”
According to the Emir, acts of abuse often blamed on culture are actually rooted in deeper problems such as poverty, unequal power relations and the failure of government to provide basic social services.
“This violence exists in all societies; it is not an African or cultural issue,” he explained. “When men have power and women are not protected, that power is abused. Women, children, the poor and persons with disabilities suffer the most.”
Sanusi also spoke on child marriage, particularly in rural communities, urging Nigerians to understand the harsh realities many families face. He noted that girls often complete primary school at about 11 years old, with no access to secondary education, skills centres or safe spaces.
“Between the ages of 11 and 18, what arrangements have been made for her?” he asked. “A poor man sees a 12- or 13-year-old girl and fears she could get pregnant while moving around. When a suitor comes, he marries her off. In many cases, this so-called culture is actually poverty.”
The Emir criticised urban perspectives that fail to consider rural hardship, pointing out that many villages lack safe roads, nearby schools and functional local government services.
“It’s easy to blame culture or blame the victim,” he said. “But the government has not provided the schools, the roads or the protection needed.”
He stressed that while the issues are complex, Nigeria must draw clear moral and legal lines.
“As a nation, we must agree on certain values,” Sanusi said. “Violence against women and children is unacceptable. No matter what you think your culture says, Nigerian law does not permit it.”
The Emir concluded that many practices defended as tradition are actually deliberate abuses of power, describing them as a “culture of oppression” sustained through violence and exploitation. He called for urgent change to protect Nigeria’s most vulnerable citizens.
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