Popular Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi has defended his visit to Ibadan, rejecting allegations that he was promoting Islamisation in Oyo State or advancing northern religious interests in the South-West. The cleric maintained that every Nigerian has the right to travel freely across the country regardless of region, religion, or political sentiment.
The remarks came in a Facebook post published on Tuesday, where the Islamic cleric responded to criticism surrounding his participation in events held in Ibadan last year. According to him, the controversy reflected growing misconceptions about religious engagement and its place in public discourse.
Gumi argued that his presence in Oyo State had been misinterpreted by some observers. He said he attended the engagement as a representative of a coalition of northern Islamic scholars and not at the invitation of any South-West Muslim organisation or individual.
“I now understand how Islamophobia is shaping politics in the South-West and why I was dragged into local political controversies,” he wrote.
“I was in Ibadan not at the invitation of any South-West Muslim individual or group, but as a representative of the Coalition of Northern Muslim Ulama.
“Can anybody stop me from going anywhere in Nigeria?”
The comments followed renewed public discussions linked to a recent abduction case in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Reports had circulated claiming that kidnappers demanded the introduction of Sharia law in the state as part of conditions for releasing their captives.
However, one of the victims, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, disputed those claims. Alamu, who serves as principal of Community High School, Esiele, spoke from captivity in a video that later gained widespread attention online.
According to her, the abductors neither demanded Sharia law nor requested a N1 billion ransom. She stated that their primary demand was the release of associates allegedly being held by government authorities.
The Islamic cleric visited Ibadan on November 19, 2025, to participate in the Southern Nigerian Ulama Summit hosted at the University of Ibadan. The event brought together Muslim scholars and religious leaders from different parts of Nigeria to discuss issues affecting the Islamic community.
During the visit, Gumi also attended a courtesy meeting involving prominent Islamic scholars from both northern and southern regions of the country. Organisers described the gathering as an opportunity to strengthen dialogue and cooperation among Muslim communities nationwide.
The debate surrounding the Islamic cleric highlights the sensitive relationship between religion, politics, and public perception in Nigeria. Analysts note that religious leaders often face intense scrutiny when engaging in activities outside their traditional regions of influence.
For many observers, the controversy also reflects broader conversations about national unity, freedom of movement, and the role of faith-based organisations in civic life. As discussions continue, Gumi remains firm that lawful participation in public events should not be viewed through a political or regional lens.
The Islamic cleric’s response underscores ongoing efforts by religious leaders to clarify their roles in an increasingly complex national environment where security, identity, and politics frequently intersect.
