Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II
The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has condemned violence against women and child marriage, saying culture cannot be used to justify abuse.
Speaking on a televised channel on Wednesday, Sanusi said every Nigerian, regardless of gender or age, is entitled to protection under the law.
“You cannot beat a woman because your culture says you can,” he said. “She is a Nigerian citizen entitled to protection.”
The former Central Bank governor said acts often blamed on culture are driven by unequal power, poverty and failure of government to provide basic services.
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According to him, women, children, persons with disabilities and the poor suffer most where power is unchecked and protection is weak.
Sanusi also addressed child marriage, especially in rural communities, linking it to lack of schools, unsafe roads and absence of skill centres.
He said many girls finish primary school around age 11 with no access to secondary education or safe environments, leaving families with limited options.
“When the state fails to protect the child, poor families make desperate choices,” he said.
The Emir criticised urban views that ignore rural realities, noting that long distances, unsafe travel and weak local government services worsen the problem.
He stressed that while social conditions are complex, Nigeria must uphold clear legal and moral standards.
“The law does not allow violence against women and children,” Sanusi said. “No culture is above the law.”
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