Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has defended his visit to Ibadan, Oyo State, rejecting criticisms that trailed his presence in the South-West and insisting that his movement across Nigeria cannot be restricted.
Gumi, in a statement posted on his Facebook page, said his participation in events in Ibadan was misunderstood and politically interpreted by some commentators.
“I quite understand now how Islamophobia is shaping politics in the South-West and why I was unnecessarily dragged into their dirty local politics,” he said.
The cleric clarified that he was not invited by any Muslim organisation or individual in the South-West, stressing that his trip was in an official capacity.
“I was in Ibadan, not by the invitation of any South-West Muslim individual or group, but as a representative of the Coalition of Northern Muslim Ulama,” he stated.
Reaffirming his right to move freely within the country, Gumi added: “Nobody can stop me from going anywhere in Nigeria.”
He also questioned the controversy surrounding his visit, suggesting that attempts to frame his presence in political or religious terms were misplaced.
“Can anybody stop me from going anywhere in Nigeria?” he asked.
His remarks come amid ongoing debate over allegations linked to insecurity narratives in Oyo State, including claims that abductors operating in Oriire Local Government Area demanded the introduction of Sharia law as part of conditions for releasing victims.
However, one of the abductees, Mrs Rachael Alamu, principal of Community High School, Esiele, dismissed the reports in a video recorded while in captivity. She said the kidnappers did not make any demand relating to Sharia law or a large ransom, contrary to earlier claims circulating in public discourse.
In a related reaction, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) also rejected the allegation, describing it as false and misleading. The group argued that the claim was intended to distort public perception of Islam and deepen tensions.
Gumi’s visit to Ibadan on November 19, 2025, where he appeared as a special guest at the Southern Nigerian Ulama Summit held at the University of Ibadan, had earlier sparked public debate. He also attended a courtesy session with Islamic scholars from both the North and South during the trip.
