Renowned Islamic scholar and preacher, Sheikh Alhaji Muyideen Ajani Bello, has died at the age of 84.
The respected cleric, widely admired for his great Islamic teachings, died in the early hours of Friday, 5th of Jumaadah Thaaniyyah, 1446AH (corresponding to 6th December 2024) in his hometown of Ibadan, Oyo State.
Shaykh Muhyideen Bello was a truly exceptional individual – a rare gem, a genius, and a courageous leader. Sheikh Bello was born in 1940 into the family of Alhaji Bello Ajani and Alhaja Ubaidat Bello of Arolu Compound, Ita Olukoyi, Ibadan. He attended I.D.C. Primary School and secondary school in Elekuro, Ibadan. He later studied Arabic and Islamic knowledge at Mahdul Arabiy, Elekuro, between 1963 and 1967.
From the age of 10, Sheikh Muyideen developed a passion for Islamic propagation, preaching across Ibadan and beyond. He taught at various secondary schools in Oyo, Ogun, and Kano States and served as the Missioner for the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria. Known for his fearless Quranic teachings, Sheikh Muyideen was invited to preach internationally, including in the UK, US, and neighboring African countries.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mourned the demise of popular Islamic scholar and renowned preacher, Sheikh Muyideen Ajani Bello. The President, in a condolence statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the death of the highly revered Islamic Scholar as a painful loss, commiserating with Muslim Ummah over the loss.
“President Tinubu affirms that the cerebral scholar lived to serve the Almighty Allah and humanity with his unusual insight into the Holy Quran, depth of wisdom, and the gift of interpretation, which provided peace, comfort, and guidance for many.
“The President believes Sheikh Bello’s discovery of divine purpose at an early age and commitment to long hours of prayers, studying, and meditation shaped his message and the destiny of many Muslims within and outside the country.
“President Tinubu acknowledges the Islamic cleric’s unwavering position on charity, peace, and civil order, frequently counselling leaders on the importance of trust, honesty, and fairness as cornerstones for good governance,” the statement reads.
Meanwhile, the Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and governor of Kwara state, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has described the death of Sheikh Muhyideen Ajani Bello as a national loss.
The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Rafiu Ajakaye, said that he received news of the death of the foremost Muslim preacher and icon, Sheikh Muhyideen Ajani Bello with shock, sadness, but total submission to the will of Allah.
Governor Abdulrazaq recalled that the fiery preacher stayed in the national limelight for over four decades as a consistent advocate of Islamic monotheism, piety, civic virtue, and responsible leadership and followership.
According to Professor Is’haq Akintola, Shaykh’s generosity knew no bounds; he would willingly give his right eye to those in need. Even as an Islamic scholar, he provided scholarships to a large number of indigent students, as stated by MURIC. He was a scholar who was deeply loved and cherished by many. Professor Ishaq Akintola described him as a scholar so beloved by South West Muslims that there is none comparable.
Shaykh’s death has left a vacuum. We pray that Allah forgives Shaykh Muhyideen Bello. May Allah shower His Divine Mercy on him and repose his soul in Al-Jannah Firdaus. May Allah also grant those he left behind the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
