FORMER GOVERNOR OF THE CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA AND HIS WIFE

By Olive Arinze

It is no longer news that the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, now Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II married the 18-year old daughter of the Lamido of Adamawa in a low-key ceremony in Yola on Friday. What is news however is that the topic has been trending in social media with many literally slaying the emir for taking on a ‘child bride’. Some people found that questionable too, as they wondered if an 18 year old could be described as a child? And then again, the emir is clearly in the right as Islam allows him to marry a fourth wife. Reports have it that Sa’adatu, the new bride recently finished secondary school and is being enrolled in Advanced Level courses.

The flurry of comments and activities raised a number of questions on my mind: Though the constitution holds that a person is an adult at the age of 18, did she really give her consent or was she put under duress? While it is also religiously allowed, is it morally correct? What is the implication of this marriage? Is this a union out of love, lust, simply wanting a new wife, or a mere traditional agreement between two Emirates?

A quick survey of some friends’ opinions revealed that the answers are not so clear cut.

Jane: Does she even want to get married at 18? Was she influenced by her parents? Is Sanusi implying that he would willingly give out his young daughters in marriage to older men as well?

Simi: Will he be able to give out his young daughters to other Emirs in marriage? Marriage is a lot more sacred than political interests. “I don’t agree.”

Ada: I don’t agree but I guess she had to because of the union between the two Emirs. At least he waited till she was 18. That was ‘nice’ of him.

Seun: We don’t know the facts. She might be OK with it. She’s an adult, and as far as if she is consenting, again, no one knows. So, we can’t crucify him without getting the full story. For all we know, she could have liked him.

Kehinde: “There are some things you cannot just do. It is not right. I don’t agree. A 54 year-old man, marrying an 18 year-old girl? NO.”

Ana: “I feel like as much as the constitution says she’s an adult, she’s naïve. Basically, she’s an adult, but she’s not mature. ”

Marcus: “This is an argument because Sanusi is perceived as an educated man.” Our culture and his ability to reproduce, despite being old, play a role in why this discussion arises.

I personally agree with Kenny and I think that Sa’adatu is an adult. We should let things be as they are because we cannot oppose the marriage without knowing the facts. What do you think? Are there insights to this we may have missed? Share your thoughts with us as the conversation continues…