Prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has responded to criticisms surrounding his visit to Ibadan last year, insisting that no one can stop him from travelling to any part of Nigeria.
Gumi's remarks come amid renewed discussions over his November 2025 visit to Oyo State, which sparked controversy in some quarters, with critics alleging that he was promoting northern Islamic ideologies and attempting to influence religious affairs in the South-West.
In a statement shared on his Facebook page on Tuesday, the cleric said he was not invited by any Muslim group or individual in the South-West, explaining that he attended the event as a representative of the Coalition of Northern Muslim Ulama.
He said the reactions to his visit reflected growing Islamophobia in the region and accused some individuals of dragging him into local political issues.
“I now understand how Islamophobia is shaping politics in the South-West and why I was unnecessarily dragged into their local politics,” Gumi wrote.
“I was in Ibadan not on the invitation of any South-West Muslim group or individual, but as a representative of the Coalition of Northern Muslim Ulama. Can anybody stop me from going anywhere in Nigeria?”
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His comments came shortly after one of the victims of the recent school abduction in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State disputed reports that the kidnappers demanded the implementation of Sharia law as a condition for their release.
In a viral video from captivity, the principal of Community High School, Esiele, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, said the abductors never requested the introduction of Sharia law or a ₦1 billion ransom. According to her, the kidnappers were only seeking the release of some of their associates allegedly being held by security agencies.
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) also rejected claims that the abductors demanded Sharia law, describing the reports as false and aimed at portraying Islam negatively.
Gumi appeared to support MURIC’s position, suggesting that misinformation was being used to fuel anti-Islam sentiments.
The cleric visited Ibadan on November 19, 2025, where he participated as a special guest and speaker at the Southern Nigerian Ulama Summit held at the University of Ibadan. During the visit, he also met with several Islamic scholars from both the northern and southern parts of the country.
