Emir of Kano Takes a Bold Stance Against Domestic Violence

Emir of Kano Takes a Bold Stance Against Domestic Violence

In a powerful move to combat domestic violence, the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has threatened to strip traditional title holders under his domain of their titles if they are found guilty of beating their wives. This bold declaration was made at the 2024 National Dialogue on the Role of Islamic Opinion Leaders in the Prevention of Gender-Based Violence in Northern Nigeria, held at Bayero University Kano.

The Emir's stance is a significant step towards addressing the pervasive issue of domestic violence in Nigeria, particularly in the northern region. Sanusi's words carry significant weight, given his position as a respected traditional leader and his influence over the community.

During his address, Sanusi emphasized that Islamic jurisprudence prohibits violence against women and called for government action to criminalize any maltreatment of women in marriage. He cited instances of women suffering broken teeth, damaged jaws, and severe physical abuse from their husbands, highlighting the urgent need for action.

Sanusi's call to action is backed by disturbing statistics. A study conducted across nine Shari'a courts in Kano revealed that 45% of cases in those courts were related to gender-based violence. This alarming figure underscores the need for decisive action to address the root causes of domestic violence and to protect the rights of women.

The Emir also took aim at Section 55 of Nigeria's Penal Code, which currently allows husbands to "correct" their wives in a manner deemed lawful and not causing "grievous hurt." This section has been widely criticized for enabling abuse, particularly in northern Nigeria. Sanusi argued that this section should be reviewed and amended to reflect the changing times and to provide greater protection for women.

Sanusi's stance on domestic violence is not only a moral imperative but also a necessary step towards promoting social cohesion and economic development. Domestic violence has far-reaching consequences, including physical and emotional harm to women and children, as well as economic losses due to reduced productivity and increased healthcare costs.

The Emir's bold move has been welcomed by women's rights activists and organizations, who have long advocated for greater protection for women and girls. Sanusi's stance serves as a powerful reminder that traditional leaders have a critical role to play in promoting social change and protecting the rights of vulnerable groups.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with the challenges of domestic violence, the Emir's words serve as a beacon of hope. His call to action is clear: husbands who beat their wives are "being animalistic in nature," and such behavior should be prohibited by law. As the country moves forward, it is essential that leaders like Sanusi continue to speak out against domestic violence and advocate for the rights and dignity of women and girls.