Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has alleged that Islamophobia is influencing political discourse in the South-West, following the backlash that trailed his recent visit to Ibadan, Oyo State.
In a statement released on his social media platform, Gumi said he had been unfairly drawn into what he described as local political battles despite attending the event in an official capacity.
The cleric dismissed claims that his trip was facilitated by any Muslim group or individual from the South-West, explaining that he was in Ibadan as a delegate of the Coalition of Northern Muslim Ulama.
“I quite understand now how Islamophobia is shaping politics in SW and why I was unnecessarily dragged into their dirty local politics,” he said.
Clarifying the circumstances of his visit, Gumi stated: “I was in Ibadan not by the invitation of any SW Muslim individual or group but as a representative of the Coalition of Northern Muslim Ulama.”
The scholar also questioned attempts to scrutinise his movement within the country, saying: “Can anybody stop me from going anywhere in Nigeria?”
Expressing surprise at the reactions generated by the visit, he added: “It’s strange how some people think!”
Gumi further alleged that forces within and outside the country were exploiting the situation to deepen divisions among Nigerians.
“I believe the whole saga is tele-guided by both foreign and local interests to promote a narrative and polarise the country,” he stated.