Beat Your Wife And Be Dethroned – Emir Of Kano Tells Title Holders

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has warned that any traditional title holder under his domain who beats his wife will lose their title.

Speaking on Monday at the Bayero University, Kano (BUK) during the 2024 National Dialogue on the role of Islamic Opinion Leaders in preventing gender-based violence in Northern Nigeria, Sanusi stressed the need to end violence against women.

He called for the urgent repeal of section 55 of the Nigerian Penal Code, which permits husbands to correct their wives within lawful customs, arguing that it was often misused in Northern Nigeria.

“Husbands that beat wives for any reason are being animalistic. And if we get to a point in our society where people are not restrained from beating their wives, the government should make it a crime. It should be prohibited,” Sanusi said.

The monarch referenced research conducted across nine Shari’a courts in Kano, which found that 45 per cent of cases involved gender-based violence.

He described instances of wives suffering severe injuries such as broken teeth and damaged jaws from their husbands’ abuse.

Sanusi emphasised, “When my daughters are getting married, I mostly tell their husbands, if you don’t like them anymore, send them back to me, don’t beat them.

And my traditional title holders also know. If you beat your wife, you lose your title.”

He further noted the need for Nigeria to adopt family laws from Islamic countries that prohibit domestic violence and ensure marriage is based on love, mercy, and mutual respect.

Dr. Taofeek Abubakar Hussein, Director of the Centre for Islamic Civilisation and Interfaith Dialogue, Bayero University, Kano, said the centre is committed to combating gender violence.

Dr. Hassan Karofi, Director of Partnership and Strategic Communications at the Development Research and Projects Centre, highlighted the event as part of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, with a focus on Islamic teachings and community collaboration.