Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, has clarified the circumstances surrounding his November 2025 visit to Ibadan, Oyo State, stating that he was not invited by any Muslim group or individual from the South-West.
In a statement shared on his Facebook page, Gumi explained that his trip to the ancient city was undertaken in his capacity as a representative of the Coalition of Northern Muslim Ulama.
According to him, the purpose of the visit was to participate in a gathering of Muslim scholars and engage in discussions on national issues, particularly the challenge of insecurity facing the country.
The cleric further alleged that fear and misconceptions about Islam and Muslims were influencing some of the political reactions and controversies that followed his visit to the South-West region.
Addressing the issue of insecurity, Gumi argued that effectively tackling the problem requires a proper understanding of its root causes. He identified factors such as inadequate education, unemployment, and the marginalisation of certain communities as key contributors to insecurity.
He maintained that efforts to address security challenges should not rely solely on force but should also include engagement, dialogue, and rehabilitation strategies.
Gumi’s remarks come amid ongoing public discussions on security concerns and kidnapping incidents in parts of Oyo State.
The cleric insisted that he was being unnecessarily drawn into local political controversies and emphasized that, as a Nigerian citizen, he should be free to move to any part of the country without restrictions.
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