Islamic cleric says no group invited him to Oyo State as Muslim Rights Concern rejects Sharia law claims

Prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has asserted that nobody can prevent him from travelling to any part of Nigeria, following controversy over his visit to Ibadan, Oyo State. Gumi made this known in a Facebook post on Tuesday, stressing that his presence in the South-Western city was not at the invitation of any local Muslim group or individual.

The cleric’s comments came after widespread speculation and public outrage that his visit last year was aimed at promoting Northern religious ideologies in Oyo State. Some critics had alleged that Gumi’s trip was part of a wider attempt to Islamise the region.

Gumi clarified that he visited Ibadan as a representative of northern Islamic scholars and maintained his constitutional right to freedom of movement within Nigeria. His statement followed renewed debate after a video surfaced featuring Mrs Rachael Alamu, principal of Community High School, Esiele in Oyo State, who was recently abducted. In the video recorded during her captivity, Alamu dismissed claims circulating online that her abductors demanded the introduction of Sharia law or a ₦1 billion ransom for their release. She said the gunmen only requested the release of their associates held by Nigerian authorities.

Meanwhile, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) also rejected reports suggesting that Sharia law implementation was among the kidnappers’ demands. In a statement on Monday, MURIC described such reports as fabrications intended to malign Islam and insisted that no such demand had been made during negotiations. The group accused unnamed parties within negotiation teams of spreading falsehoods to fuel religious tensions.

Aligning himself with MURIC’s position, Sheikh Gumi wrote on Facebook: “I quite understand now how Islamophobia is shaping politics…” He emphasised that misrepresentation and suspicion against Muslims must be addressed through dialogue and accurate information. The cleric did not announce further plans regarding future visits but reiterated his commitment to peaceful engagement across all regions.

Oyo State authorities have not issued an official response regarding Gumi’s statements or ongoing concerns about religious tension in the region. Security agencies continue to monitor developments following recent abductions in Oriire Local Government Area while community leaders call for calm and unity.

Source: https://punchng.com/ibadan-visitation-nobody-can-stop-me-from-going-anywhere-in-nigeria-sheikh-gumi/