Gumi Attributes Negative Reactions to Ibadan Trip to Islamophobia

Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has explained why he recently travelled to Ibadan, stating that he was not invited by any Muslim group or individual in the South‑West.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Gumi said he went to Ibadan as a representative of northern Islamic scholars.

He also argued that a fear of Islam and Muslims is influencing political discussions in the South‑West following the reactions to his visit.

The comments come after reports linked his trip to tensions over insecurity and claims that kidnappers in Oyo State had made demands. Those claims were later denied by victims and some Islamic groups.

Responding to criticism, Gumi said: “I quite understand now how Islamophobia is shaping politics in SW and why I was unnecessarily dragged into their dirty local politics. I was in Ibadan not by the invitation of any SW Muslim individual or group but as a representative of the Coalition of Northern Muslim Ulama. Can anybody stop me from going anywhere in Nigeria?”