Prominent Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, has alleged that Islamophobia is influencing politics in parts of Southwestern Nigeria, claiming that recent criticism surrounding his visit to Ibadan was driven by political motives rather than genuine concerns.
In a statement posted on his official Facebook account, Gumi said he now understands how anti-Muslim sentiments are shaping political discourse in the region and questioned why he was drawn into what he described as “dirty local politics.”
The cleric clarified that his visit to Ibadan was not at the invitation of any Southwestern Muslim individual or organization. According to him, he attended the event as a representative of the Coalition of Northern Muslim Ulama, dismissing claims that his presence was linked to local political interests.
Gumi also challenged what he described as attempts to restrict his movement within the country, asking whether anyone could prevent him from traveling to any part of Nigeria. He maintained that, as a Nigerian citizen, he has the constitutional right to visit any state or community across the federation.
Expressing surprise at the reactions generated by his visit, the cleric said he found it strange that some individuals interpreted the trip through a political lens. He argued that the controversy had been unnecessarily amplified and suggested that broader forces were behind the public backlash.
According to Gumi, the dispute surrounding his presence in Ibadan may have been orchestrated by both local and foreign interests seeking to advance a particular narrative. He alleged that such efforts were aimed at deepening divisions and polarizing the country along religious and regional lines.
