Sultana Nazif, daughter-in-law of the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has made it clear that she does not believe in women changing their maiden names after marriage.
During a Q&A session on her Instagram story, a follower asked if she had adopted her husband’s surname after marrying Ashraf Adam Sanusi, the Emir’s son. Sultana responded, “No, I don’t believe in replacing your father’s name after marriage.”
The 24-year-old, who married Ashraf in August 2024, is the daughter of Bauchi politician Suleiman Mohammed Nazif. Her perspective aligns with progressive views on marital identity and reflects a growing trend among women who choose to retain their birth names.
Interestingly, Sultana’s stance echoes sentiments expressed by her father-in-law, Emir Sanusi. In December 2024, while speaking at a National Dialogue Conference on Gender-Based Violence, he emphasized that he instructs his daughters to stand up for themselves in marriage. He stated:
“If your husband slaps you and you come home to tell me without slapping him back first, I will slap you myself… If you do not like her, send her back to me. But don’t beat her.”
Sultana’s bold declaration has sparked conversations on gender roles, identity, and women’s rights in marriage, further highlighting the evolving perspectives on these issues in Nigerian society.
