‘Slap for slap’: Nigerians react to Emir Sanusi’s domestic violence advice

The 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, has ignited a heated debate on the X platform following his advice to his daughters to retaliate against domestic violence by returning any slap they receive from their husbands.

His comments were made during the National Dialogue Conference on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Prevention from an Islamic Perspective, where he also shared troubling statistics showing that 45% of cases in nine Shari’a courts in Kano over five years involved domestic violence.

While some praised the Emir’s stance as a bold call to address abuse, others criticized the advice, arguing it could escalate violence.

Mixed Reactions from Nigerians

Former lawmaker Shehu Sani was among those opposing Sanusi’s remarks. He urged couples to exercise patience and restraint during conflicts, advocating for peaceful resolutions instead of retaliation. In his words:

“Husbands and wives should control themselves in moments of anger. Walking away, staying calm, and using the words ‘I’m sorry’ can de-escalate tension. Encouraging slapping and slapping back only leads to irreversible damage in marriages.”

Sani also highlighted the challenges faced by divorcees in northern Nigeria, cautioning against retaliatory actions that could lead to broken homes.

Other users on X expressed their perspectives:

@afrotrax: “Violence shouldn’t be met with violence. Empower women with knowledge, legal protection, and safe avenues to escape abuse rather than advocating retaliation.”

@siazubuike: “Report abusive husbands to the proper authorities. Retaliation could endanger your safety or escalate the situation.”

@jayneraphael_: “Men upset over this advice should reflect on their actions. Sanusi is promoting accountability, not chaos.”

@kpapkando: “A slap-for-slap response risks unintended consequences. Such advice should be private, not public.”

@anasuachara: “Violence is never the answer. Dialogue and, if necessary, divorce are better solutions.”

The Emir’s statement has sparked an important conversation about domestic violence and its prevention. While opinions vary, the common ground is the need to eliminate abuse and promote respect in relationships.

Many have called for a broader societal approach, including education, legal reforms, and robust support systems to protect victims and address the root causes of gender-based violence.