‘Culture says a man can beat a woman’- Kano Emir speaks on controversial belief

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has weighed in on a controversial belief in Nigerian society, that men can beat women because “culture says so.”

Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, the traditional ruler addressed domestic violence, women’s rights, and the broader role of traditional institutions in governance.

“Violence happens in all societies. It’s not about an African culture. It’s about power relations where men have power and women are not protected; men will take advantage of that power and oppress them,” Sanusi said.

The Emir drew attention to victims across society, women, young children, the poor, and the disabled, stressing that every citizen has inviolable rights, regardless of what tradition or culture dictates.

“So we need to first of all say that as a country, we have citizens and human beings, and they have rights. Those rights are inviolable. You cannot violate them in the name of a culture. You cannot beat a woman because your culture says you can beat her. She’s a Nigerian citizen entitled to protection. It doesn’t matter what you think because these are the values that we live by in this time,” he added.

Beyond social issues, Sanusi reaffirmed the authority of traditional rulers to advise government leaders, including the President and state governors, on matters affecting the nation.

“Do I need to be told to advise the President? Do I need the Constitution to tell me that if I think there is something the country needs, I should go to the President and say, ‘Mr President, I think this is wrong?’ I don’t need the Constitution,” he said.

He emphasized that his authority comes from his position as a leader of the people, not just legal frameworks. “I get that authority from being a leader of the people… We respect that you have executive authority of the governor; times have moved.”

Sanusi also spoke on inclusive governance, calling for increased representation of women in leadership roles to strengthen nation-building. He said women play crucial roles in creating a more balanced and accountable political system.