Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, a well-known and contentious Islamic cleric, has rejected criticism regarding his late-year trip to Ibadan, Oyo State, claiming that no one can prevent him from traveling throughout Nigeria.
Gumi claimed that his trip to Ibadan had been mistakenly connected to what he called “dirty local politics” in the South-West in a post on his Facebook page on Tuesday.
Allegations that the cleric’s visit was part of an effort to Islamize Oyo State and advance northern Islamic ideologies had drawn criticism from some quarters.
In response to the controversy, Gumi claimed that no Muslim person or organization in the South-West had invited him to Ibadan.
“I quite understand now how Islamophobia is shaping politics in SW (South-West) and why I was unnecessarily dragged into their dirty local politics,” he wrote.
“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?”
Gumi’s response sparked controversy among many, fueling debates across different platforms. However, despite the differing opinions, it remains undeniable that no one can prevent others from visiting any state they choose. Ultimately, the freedom to travel and explore remains a fundamental right that no controversy can impede.
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