Sheikh Ahmad Gumi Defends Freedom to Travel Across Nigeria

Prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has publicly defended his right to travel anywhere in Nigeria, responding to criticism over his visit to Ibadan, Oyo State, last November. In a social media post on Tuesday, Gumi stated he attended an event in the city as a representative of northern Islamic scholars, not at the invitation of any local Muslim group, and dismissed the controversy as "dirty local politics" fueled by Islamophobia.

Gumi's remarks follow renewed scrutiny of his trip to Ibadan on November 19, 2025, where he served as a special guest and speaker at the Southern Nigerian Ulama Summit held at the University of Ibadan. Some critics had alleged the visit was an attempt to promote northern Islamic ideologies or influence the religious character of the southwestern state. The cleric firmly rejected these characterizations, questioning why his movement within the country should generate controversy.

The cleric's statement also intersects with a separate, ongoing controversy regarding a kidnapping in Oyo State. On May 15, armed men abducted 46 schoolchildren and teachers from the Oriire Local Government Area. Initial reports had suggested the abductors demanded the...