No Excuse for Abuse: Traditional Rulers Sanusi, Achebe, Ndanusa Reject Culture as Justification for GBV"
In a powerful display of cross-cultural solidarity, three prominent Nigerian traditional rulers—the 14th Emir of Kano, HRH Muhammadu Sanusi II; the Obi of Onitsha, HRM Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe; and the Emir of Shonga, HRH Dr. Haliru Ndanusa—have united to condemn gender-based violence (GBV) and call for its immediate eradication. The rare collaboration, featured in a high-profile television discussion and tied to ongoing conferences on GBV prevention, brought together Islamic, Igbo, and Nupe perspectives to challenge harmful practices often hidden behind cultural or traditional norms. Emir Sanusi II delivered one of the most forceful messages, asserting that no custom can override Nigerian law or basic human rights. "You cannot beat a woman because your culture says you can beat her," he declared. "She is 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 emphasized that wome...