Three influential Nigerian traditional rulers have called for enhanced action to address gender‑based violence (GBV) and to protect women and children from abuse, they said on Saturday.
The rulers spoke following a high‑level conference on GBV prevention and during a televised appearance in Lagos.
The Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II, said cultural practices should not justify harm against women or children. He stated that culture is not static but evolves over time, and that harmful acts cannot be defended on cultural grounds.
Sanusi said the use of religion or tradition to excuse domestic violence is misplaced, noting that religious teachings do not permit abuse.
Also speaking, the Emir of Shonga, His Royal Highness Dr Haliru Ndanusa, described violence against women and children as affecting public health and productivity.
He said harmful practices such as early child marriage have serious physical consequences, including complications seen in young adolescents during his medical training.
Dr Ndanusa said efforts to prevent GBV should include educational and cultural approaches that influence young men’s behaviour and community norms.
Representing the South, the Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, said culture must serve people and protect the vulnerable in modern society.
Achebe described steps taken by his traditional council to enforce rules that protect members of the community from physical harm and said violence should be referred to law enforcement for appropriate action.
The traditional rulers emphasised that their roles do not include formal prosecutorial power, but that they and their institutions hold influence in shaping community attitudes and practices.
They highlighted that women’s representation in decision‑making remains limited, noting that female lawmakers are significantly under‑represented in Nigeria’s federal legislature.
Sanusi said enhanced representation could help ensure women’s issues receive greater attention in policy circles.
The call from these traditional leaders aligns with ongoing national efforts to address GBV in Nigeria, where civil society and government stakeholders have advocated for improved protective measures and awareness campaigns.
Government agencies and advocacy groups have previously outlined strategies including specialised gender courts, emergency care services for survivors, and national response funds aimed at reducing violence against women and girls.
