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Prominent Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has responded to the lingering criticism surrounding his visit to Ibadan last year, asserting that he has a constitutional right to travel freely throughout the country.
He rejected suggestions that his presence in Oyo State was linked to any agenda to impose religious ideologies on the South West region.
The cleric addressed the controversy in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Tuesday, months after his participation in a major Islamic gathering in Ibadan sparked debate among some groups who accused him of promoting religious influence in the northern region.
Gumi emphasized that his trip was not organized by any Southwest Muslim organization or initiated by local Islamic groups, and explained that he was attending the event in an official capacity as a representative of Islamic scholars in the northern region.
His statement comes amid renewed discussions on allegations that kidnappers holding schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State are demanding the imposition of Sharia law as part of the conditions of their release.
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This claim was recently challenged by one of the victims, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, principal of Community High School, Esiele, who appeared in a viral video from captivity. According to him, the kidnappers did not ask for the implementation of Sharia law or a ransom of N1 billion as reported in some places, but instead demanded the release of certain associates who are currently in government custody.
The controversy also drew backlash from Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), which rejected reports linking the kidnappers’ demands to Sharia law.
In a statement issued on Monday, the organization described the allegations as “lies from the pit of Jahannam (hell)” and argued that the enemies of Islam were trying to exploit the situation to tarnish the religion’s image.
In line with this position, Gumi believes that anti-Islam sentiment is increasingly influencing the political narrative in the Southwest region.
“Now I understand enough how Islamophobia shapes politics in the South West (SW) and why I don’t need to be drawn into their dirty local politics.
“I am in Ibadan, not at the invitation of any SW Muslim individual or group, but as a representative of the Northern Muslim Ulema Coalition.
“Can anyone stop me from going anywhere in Nigeria?”
The cleric’s comments appear aimed at countering the narrative that emerged following his visit to Ibadan in November 2025, which drew criticism from several groups and individuals who questioned the purpose of his involvement in the region.
Gumi had traveled to Ibadan on November 19, 2025, where he participated as a special guest and keynote speaker at the Southern Nigeria Ulema Conference held at the University of Ibadan.
During the visit, he also attended a series of meetings and hospitality events with leading Islamic scholars from Northern and Southern Nigeria.
His latest remarks are expected to further fuel debate over religion, politics and regional sensitivities, especially as discussions continue around security challenges, interfaith relations and the role of religious leaders in national affairs.
