The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has issued a strong warning to traditional titleholders in his domain, declaring that anyone who abuses or physically assaults his wife risks being stripped of their title.
Sanusi gave the warning on Monday, July 21, during a meeting at his palace with a delegation from the development Research and Project Center (dRPC) and Bayero University’s Center for Islamic Civilisation and Interfaith Dialogue (CICID). The visit was part of an advocacy initiative under a Ford Foundation-sponsored project aimed at mentoring Muslim Opinion Leaders (MOLs) to tackle Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in northern Nigeria’s Muslim communities.
The emir condemned the act of domestic violence, stating, “I have never believed in the idea of beating women. Those who engage in it do not do so with the aim of correcting, but instead to inflict harm.” He further emphasized that many of these beatings are carried out under the pretense of religious correction, which he strongly rejected.
“Islam dignifies women more than any other religion,” Sanusi added. “Anyone using religion as a cover to abuse women clearly misunderstands the teachings of Islam. It is not my opinion but that of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), who said that those who harm their wives are not righteous people.”
The monarch, who conducted a five-year PhD research across nine Shari’a courts in Kano, described gender-based violence as a widespread issue. He called on religious leaders and scholars to take the lead in correcting societal behaviors through enlightenment.
He pointed out that necessary legal provisions already exist within Islamic jurisprudence and urged for the revival and implementation of Kano State’s family law draft to strengthen efforts against GBV.
Speaking during the visit, Dr Taofeek Abubakar Hussain, the Director of CICID, echoed Sanusi’s sentiments. He explained, “Islam promotes justice and respect for women, but unfortunately, some cultural practices continue to support violence against them.”
Dr Hussain stated that their organization had trained clerics who would return to their communities and use their influence to promote the correct Islamic stance on gender-based violence. “No religion protects women’s rights as Islam does,” he added.
He also appealed for renewed attention to the family law draft and recommended that traditional titleholders be equipped with adequate knowledge and training to address domestic violence within their communities.
Highlighting their broader efforts, Dr Hussain noted, “We are using this project to spread awareness about Islam’s true position on GBV and how it can be minimized. We have formed partnerships with leading Imams in Kano, Kaduna, and across northern Nigeria, believing that their voices will be instrumental in effecting real change.”
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