“You Can’t Stop Me”: Gumi Fires Back Over Ibadan Visit Row
By Adesakin Adefemi
Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has said no one can prevent him from traveling to any part of Nigeria, following controversy over his visit to Ibadan in November 2025.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Gumi stated that he was in Ibadan as a representative of the Coalition of Northern Muslim Ulama, not at the invitation of any South-West Muslim group or individual.
“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,” he wrote. “Can anybody stop me from going anywhere in Nigeria?”
Gumi said the criticism that trailed his visit reflects how Islamophobia is shaping politics in the South-West. He described the backlash as politically motivated.
The cleric attended the Southern Nigerian Ulama Summit at the University of Ibadan on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, where he was a special guest and speaker. He also participated in a courtesy session with other Muslim scholars from the North and South.
His comments came a day after Mrs. Rachael Alamu, principal of Community High School, Esiele in Oriire Local Government Area, denied reports that her abductors demanded the implementation of Sharia law or a N1 billion ransom. In a video from captivity, she said the gunmen asked only for the release of their associates in custody.
The Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, also rejected the alleged Sharia demand in a statement on Monday. The group called the report “a lie from the pit of Jahannam” and said it was inserted by opponents of Islam within the negotiation team.
Gumi aligned with MURIC’s position, saying the controversy around his visit points to a pattern of misrepresentation intended to create tension in the South-West.
The incident has added to ongoing discussions on religious tolerance, regional politics, and security in Oyo State as stakeholders prepare for the 2027 elections.
