Popular Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has addressed the controversy surrounding his visit to Ibadan late last year, following accusations that he intended to promote Northern ideologies and Islamise Oyo State.
Gumi emphasized that no one can prevent him from traveling anywhere within Nigeria, clarifying that he was not invited by any Muslim group or individual from the South-West for the visit.
In a statement posted on his Facebook page on Tuesday, Gumi explained that he attended the Ibadan event as a representative of Northern Islamic scholars. His comments come shortly after one of the victims of the recent Oriire Local Government Area abduction in Oyo State refuted claims that the kidnappers demanded the implementation of Sharia law as a condition for the victims’ release.
Mrs. Rachael Alamu, principal of Community High School, Esiele, Oyo State—who appeared in a viral video while in captivity—stated that the abductors did not ask for the introduction of Sharia law or a N1 billion ransom, but instead requested the release of their associates detained by Nigerian authorities.
Similarly, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) dismissed the alleged demand for Sharia law, calling it “a lie from the pit of Jahannam (hell)” in a statement issued on Monday. MURIC suggested that the claim was fabricated by Islam’s adversaries within the negotiation team to tarnish the religion’s image.
Echoing MURIC’s stance, Gumi wrote: “I now understand how Islamophobia is shaping politics in the South-West and why I was unnecessarily drawn into their local political disputes. I went to 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 anyone stop me from going anywhere in Nigeria?”
Gumi’s visit to Ibadan took place on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, where he served as a special guest and speaker at the Southern Nigerian Ulama Summit held at the University of Ibadan. He also attended a courtesy session with other prominent Muslim scholars from both Southern and Northern regions.
(Source: Punchng Report)
