Emir Sanusi Shocks with Bold Advice on Gender-Based Violence: ‘Retaliate if Your Husband Slaps You!’

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has caused quite a stir with his bold and controversial statement during a recent conference on gender-based violence (GBV). The respected monarch, known for his candid opinions, made it clear that he advises his daughters to retaliate if their husbands slap them.

Sanusi’s remarks came at the National Dialogue Conference on GBV prevention from an Islamic perspective, hosted by Bayero University Kano (BUK), in collaboration with the Development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC) and the Ford Foundation. The conference explored the role of Islamic teachings and community collaboration in ending gender-based violence.

Shocking Statistics on Domestic Violence in Kano

During the conference, Emir Sanusi shared staggering data from his research on Shari’a courts in Kano, highlighting a troubling trend. According to his findings, 45% of cases in the last five years in Kano’s Shari’a courts were related to wife beating and domestic violence.

Sanusi pointed out the discrepancy between what Islamic law permits and how it is often applied. While Shari’a law allows for a “light” beating, he emphasized that most cases involved severe and harmful violence. “We have had women with broken limbs, knocked-out teeth, and victims of repeated beatings,” he said, stressing that this abuse goes far beyond what Islamic law would condone.

What Emir Sanusi Said About Wife-Beating

In his speech, the Emir was firm in his condemnation of domestic violence in Kano. “Beating your wife, daughter, or any woman is prohibited. It is a crime,” he said. He further explained that violence against women violates the basic dignity of a human being, regardless of who the perpetrator is.

One of the most controversial parts of his speech was his personal advice to his daughters. “If your husband slaps you and you don’t slap him back first, I will slap you myself,” Sanusi declared. He clarified that no woman, especially his own daughters, should endure physical abuse, and he would not tolerate it under any circumstances.

Ending Gender-Based Violence Through Education

Sanusi also took the opportunity to advocate for a cultural shift in Nigeria. “We must teach our daughters not to tolerate abuse,” he said. He urged communities to educate both sons and daughters about respect and the importance of non-violence. “We need to raise our children to understand that violence against women is unacceptable in any form,” he added.

Emir Sanusi’s words carry weight in a society where gender-based violence remains a pervasive issue. His comments are a call to action for all Nigerian families and communities to take a stand against abuse and make violence against women a thing of the past.

What Needs to Change?

The Emir’s stance is clear: violence against women is not just a moral issue; it’s a crime. His call to end gender-based violence in Kano is a reminder that while Islamic teachings may sometimes be misinterpreted or misapplied, the true message is one of respect, dignity, and kindness.

As the conversation around GBV prevention from an Islamic perspective continues, it’s important for Nigerians to come together and support efforts to end domestic violence. Every individual has a role to play in promoting respect, understanding, and non-violence.