Prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has responded to criticisms surrounding his visit to Ibadan, Oyo State, insisting that he has the constitutional right to travel freely across Nigeria.

The cleric made the remarks in a post shared on his Facebook page on Tuesday, where he rejected allegations that his visit to the South-West was connected to efforts to promote northern Islamic interests or influence local politics.

Gumi said he was surprised by the reactions that followed his trip, arguing that he had been unnecessarily drawn into political controversies in the region.

According to him, his presence in Ibadan was not at the invitation of any Muslim individual or organization in the South-West.

Rather, he attended the event as a representative of the Coalition of Northern Muslim Ulama.

“I now understand how Islamophobia is shaping politics in the South-West and why I was dragged into local political issues that have nothing to do with me,” Gumi stated.

He further questioned why anyone would object to his movement within the country, stressing that every Nigerian has the freedom to visit any state without restriction.

The cleric's comments come amid renewed discussions following reports that kidnappers holding victims in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State allegedly demanded the implementation of Sharia law as part of the conditions for their release.

However, those claims were later disputed by one of the victims.

Mrs. Rachael Alamu, the principal of Community High School, Esiele, who was among those abducted, stated in a viral video recorded while in captivity that the gunmen neither requested the introduction of Sharia law nor demanded a ₦1 billion ransom.

According to her, the kidnappers were instead seeking the release of some of their associates who are currently being held by security agencies.

Gumi's controversial visit took place on November 19, 2025, when he attended the Southern Nigerian Ulama Summit at the University of Ibadan.

At the gathering, he participated as a special guest and delivered a lecture alongside other Islamic scholars from different parts of the country.

The visit also included meetings and engagements with several prominent Muslim leaders from both Northern and Southern Nigeria, aimed at fostering dialogue and strengthening cooperation among Islamic organizations.

Despite the criticism generated by the trip, Gumi has maintained that his participation was purely religious and academic, with no political agenda attached to it.