Nobody Can Stop Me Visiting Any Part Of Nigeria — Gumi

Popular Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, has defended his visit to Ibadan, Oyo State, insisting that no individual or group has the authority to prevent him from travelling to any part of Nigeria.

Gumi made the remarks on Tuesday in a post published on his Facebook page amid renewed discussions surrounding his November 2025 visit to Oyo State and allegations from some quarters that he was promoting northern Islamic ideologies in the South-West region.

Responding to the criticisms, the cleric dismissed claims that his visit was politically motivated or intended to advance any regional agenda. He argued that the controversy surrounding his presence in Ibadan reflected growing religious intolerance and misconceptions about his activities.

According to Gumi, he did not travel to Ibadan at the invitation of any Muslim organisation or individual from the South-West. Rather, he said he attended the event in his capacity as a representative of the Coalition of Northern Muslim Ulama.

“I quite understand now how Islamophobia is shaping politics in the South-West and why I was unnecessarily dragged into their dirty local politics,” he stated.

The cleric maintained that his participation in the event was based solely on his role within the coalition of Islamic scholars and not on any political or ideological mission.

“I was in Ibadan, not by the invitation of any South-West Muslim individual or group, but as a representative of the Coalition of Northern Muslim Ulama,” he said.

Questioning the backlash that followed his visit, Gumi stressed that Nigeria remains a united country where every citizen enjoys the constitutional right to move freely and associate peacefully.

“Can anybody stop me from going anywhere in Nigeria?” he asked.

His comments come as debates continue over religion, politics and regional relations in parts of the country ahead of future political contests.

Supporters of the cleric have argued that he has the right to visit any state in the federation, while critics maintain concerns about some of his past statements and engagements.

Despite the controversy, Gumi reiterated his commitment to engaging with people across different regions and promoting dialogue on national issues, insisting that freedom of movement remains a fundamental right guaranteed to all Nigerians.