- He said no individual or group had the authority to restrict his movement within Nigeria
- Gumi said he now better understood what he described as growing Islamophobia in parts of the South-West
Prominent Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has responded to criticisms surrounding his visit to Ibadan last year, dismissing allegations that his presence was linked to efforts to promote Sharia law or impose northern religious ideologies in Oyo State.
In a statement shared on his Facebook page on Tuesday, Eko Hot Blog reports that Gumi said he had every right as a Nigerian citizen to travel to any part of the country and insisted that his visit to the South-West was not at the invitation of any Muslim organisation or individual in the region.
EDITOR’S PICK
- Akpabio Dismisses Reports of Promising APC Tickets to Defeated Senators
- Court Discharges Baba Adinni of Lagos, Upholds No-Case Submission
- “Verify Information Before Spreading It” — Alara Warns on Security
According to the cleric, he attended the event in Ibadan as a representative of the Coalition of Northern Muslim Ulama and not on behalf of any local group.
His comments came amid renewed debate over reports linking the recent abduction of residents in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State to alleged demands for the introduction of Sharia law.
However, one of the victims, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, principal of Community High School, Esiele, who spoke in a viral video while in captivity, reportedly denied claims that the abductors demanded Sharia implementation or a ₦1 billion ransom.
She stated that the kidnappers were instead seeking the release of some of their associates being held by security authorities.
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) also rejected the reports, describing them as false and aimed at portraying Islam negatively. The group argued that the allegations were fabricated to damage the image of the religion.
Aligning with that position, Gumi said he now better understood what he described as growing Islamophobia in parts of the South-West and expressed concern that his name had been drawn into what he called local political controversies.
The cleric questioned why his visit had generated criticism, maintaining that no individual or group had the authority to restrict his movement within Nigeria.
Gumi visited Ibadan on November 19, 2025, where he attended the Southern Nigerian Ulama Summit held at the University of Ibadan.
During the event, he served as a guest speaker and participated in meetings alongside prominent Muslim scholars from both northern and southern parts of the country.
FURTHER READING
