Popular Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi has dismissed allegations that his visit to Ibadan was aimed at promoting the Islamisation of Oyo State or advancing northern religious interest in the South- West.
In a post on his Facebook page on Tuesday, Gumi insisted that no one could stop him from travelling to any part of Nigeria, maintaining that he was not invited by any Muslim group or individual in the South- West.
He stated that he visited the city as representative of the Coalition of Northern Muslim Ulama and not at the invitation of any South-West Muslim group.
Gumi also questioned why anyone would object to his movement within Nigeria, insisting that every citizen has the right to travel freely across the country.
He further claimed that growing Islamophobia is influencing political debate in parts of South-West.
His comments came barely a day after one of the victims of the abduction in Oriire Local Government Area dismissed claims that the kidnappers had demanded the implementation of Sharia law in Oyo State as a condition for releasing their captives.
The principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, Mrs Rachael Adamu, speaking from captivity in now viral video, said the gunmen, never demanded the introduction of Sharia law or a N1 billion ransom, as reported in some quarters.
According to her, the abductors only requested the release of their associates currently in the custody of Nigerian authorities.
Similarly, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) rejected reports that the kidnappers demanded the introduction of Sharia law.
In a statement issued on Monday, the group described the claim as “a lie from the pit of Jahannam (hell)”.
MURIC further alleged that the enemies of Islam inserted the claim into negotiations to tarnish the image of the religion.
Aligning himself with the group’s position, Gumi wrote:
“I quite understand now how Islamophobia is shaping politics in South -West and why I was unnecessarily dragged into their dirty local politics.
“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?”.
Gumi visited Ibadan in November 19, 2025, where he served as a special quest and speaker at the Southern Nigeria Ulama Summit held at the University of Ibadan.
During the visit, he also attended a courtesy meeting alongside other prominent Muslim scholars from both Northern and Southern Nigeria.
The visit sparked controversy in Oyo State, with critics questioning its purpose and expressing concerns about its religious and political implications.
-9News Nigeria.
