Gumi Claims Islamophobia Fueled Ibadan Trip Reactions

Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi clarified his recent Ibadan trip in a Facebook post Tuesday, saying he was not invited by any Muslim group or individual in the South-West. Gumi explained he traveled as a representative of the Coalition of Northern Muslim Ulama.

Gumi responded to criticisms that linked his visit to tensions over insecurity and kidnapping demands in Oyo State, which were later denied. He claimed Islamophobia is shaping political discussions in the South-West and unnecessarily dragged him into their "dirty local politics."

In his defense, Gumi questioned: "Can anybody stop me from going anywhere in Nigeria?" This comes amid heightened tensions in Ibadan following security incidents, including the recent abduction of former Tinubu minister Adelabu's family members and police operations targeting vehicles with concealed plates.

What does this reveal about how religious identity influences political discourse in Nigeria's multi-religious regions?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/06/09/gumi-blames-islamophobia-for-reactions-to-ibadan-trip/