Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Controversial Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has ignited a fresh round of political debate after describing the people of Northern Nigeria, commonly referred to as the Arewa, as "civilised" and urging separatist groups such as the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Oodua People's Congress (OPC) to learn from them. Gumi made the remark in a Facebook post on Sunday, 12 July 2026, where he wrote: "Arewa is civilised, IPOB and OPC if they still exist should take a lesson." The cleric did not provide further explanation or clarify the specific issues he was referring to, leaving the statement open to public interpretation.
Gumi's comments come amid ongoing national discussions on unity, ethnic relations, and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria's diverse communities. The statement also follows remarks by the Eze Ndigbo of Kano State, Boniface Ndukwe, who spoke about the long-standing relationship between the Igbo community and the people of Kano. In a video that has been widely shared on social media, Ndukwe said the Igbo community has lived peacefully in Kano for many years and has become an important part of the state's economic and social life. He noted that many Igbo businessmen have established successful enterprises in Kano and made the state their permanent home. "We're no more Igbos in Kano State but Igbos of Kano State because a lot of our Igbo brothers are big-time billionaires and our investment in Kano State is over trillions of naira," Ndukwe said.
Gumi's reference to OPC "if they still exist" suggests uncertainty about the group's current level of activity, though he did not elaborate. The Oodua People's Congress, popularly known as OPC, was formed in the 1990s to promote the interests of the Yoruba people. While the organisation has remained active in different forms over the years, its activities have evolved to include community security and cultural advocacy in parts of the South-West. IPOB, on the other hand, is a separatist group that campaigns for the creation of an independent state of Biafra in Nigeria's South-East. The group has been at the centre of security concerns in the region, with its activities leading to repeated confrontations with security agencies. The Federal Government has designated IPOB as a terrorist organisation, a decision the group has consistently rejected.
Gumi's remarks have attracted significant attention on social media, with many Nigerians expressing mixed reactions to his statement. Some have praised the cleric for promoting peaceful coexistence, while others have criticised him for making sweeping comparisons without providing context. The cleric has remained one of Nigeria's most outspoken religious figures, frequently commenting on national security, governance, ethnic relations, and efforts to restore peace in areas affected by violence. His views have often drawn both support and criticism, reflecting the deep divisions within Nigerian society on issues of ethnicity, religion, and national unity.
The timing of Gumi's post, coming shortly after Ndukwe's remarks, has generated discussion on social media, with many linking the two developments. Thousands of traders from the South-East have lived and operated businesses in Kano for generations, contributing significantly to the state's economy through investments in trade, manufacturing, transport, and other sectors. Despite periods of tension in different parts of the country, many community leaders have continued to emphasise the importance of peaceful coexistence among Nigerians regardless of ethnic or religious background. Gumi's comments appear to align with this broader conversation on inter-ethnic relations, although his specific mention of IPOB and OPC has added a new dimension to the debate.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with issues of national unity and security, Gumi's latest statement is likely to fuel further discussions on the role of ethnic and regional identity in the country's political landscape. While the cleric did not elaborate on his remarks, his comparison of the Arewa to separatist groups has already sparked debate about what it means to be "civilised" in the context of Nigeria's diverse and often fractured society.
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