Gumi Sparks Fresh Debate With Bold Declaration On Ibadan Visit

Prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has dismissed criticisms surrounding his visit to Ibadan, Oyo State, last year, insisting that no individual or group has the authority to prevent him from travelling to any part of Nigeria.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a post shared on his Facebook page on Tuesday, Gumi expressed concern over what he described as attempts to drag him into regional political disputes, particularly in the South-West.

The cleric had faced criticism from some quarters following allegations that his visit was linked to efforts aimed at promoting northern Islamic interests and advancing an Islamisation agenda in Oyo State.

Responding to the claims, Gumi clarified that his trip to Ibadan was not at the invitation of any Muslim organisation or individual from the South-West.

According to him, he attended the event in his capacity as a representative of the Coalition of Northern Muslim Ulama.

“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 wrote.

“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. Can anybody stop me from going anywhere in Nigeria?” he added.

His remarks come amid controversy surrounding reports that kidnappers who abducted some victims in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State allegedly demanded the introduction of Sharia law in the state as part of conditions for their release.

However, the claim was later disputed by one of the victims.

Mrs. Rachael Alamu, Principal of Community High School, Esiele, Oyo State, who spoke from captivity in a viral video, denied reports that the abductors demanded either the implementation of Sharia law or a ₦1 billion ransom.

According to her, the kidnappers were instead demanding the release of some of their associates being held by Nigerian authorities.

Gumi visited Ibadan on November 19, 2025, to participate in the Southern Nigerian Ulama Summit held at the University of Ibadan.

During the event, he served as a guest speaker and also joined other leading Islamic scholars from both Northern and Southern Nigeria in a courtesy engagement.