By Uzair Adam
Prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has alleged that Islamophobia is influencing political developments in Nigeria’s South-West, following criticism surrounding his recent visit to Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Gumi made the allegation amid the controversy over the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State, where reports had claimed that the kidnappers demanded the implementation of Shari’ah law as part of the conditions for the release of the victims.
The claim was strongly rejected by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), which described it as false and aimed at tarnishing the image of Islam.
The group argued that enemies of Islam deliberately introduced the allegation into negotiations to create a negative narrative.
The position was later supported by Mrs. Rachael Alamu, the abducted principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
In a video message, Alamu denied reports that the kidnappers requested the establishment of Shari’ah law in exchange for the release of the pupils.
Reacting in a post on his verified Facebook page, Gumi said he attended the event in Ibadan as a representative of the Coalition of Northern Muslim Ulama and not at the invitation of any individual or Muslim group from the South-West.
“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 wrote.
The cleric explained that his visit was purely in his capacity as a representative of the coalition and questioned efforts to politicise his presence in the state.
“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 stated.
Gumi also questioned why his visit had generated controversy, asking whether anyone could prevent him from travelling to any part of Nigeria.
“Can anybody stop me from going anywhere in Nigeria? It’s strange how some people think,” he said.
He further alleged that the reactions to his visit were part of a broader effort by both local and foreign interests to deepen divisions within the country.
“I believe the whole saga is tele-guided by both foreign and local interests to promote a narrative and polarise the country,” Gumi added.
