Sheikh Alhaji Muyideen Ajani Bello, renowned Muslim scholar and preacher, is dead.
The prominent scholar passed away in the early hours of Friday, December 6, 2024. He was 84.
His death, which has sent shockwaves across the Muslim community in Nigeria, was confirmed by his son, Alhaji Basit Olanrewaju Katibi Bello, popularly known as Aponle Anobi, in a post on his social media handle on Friday.
He posted a crying emoji along with a picture of the Sheikh, but no further details were provided.
Meanwhile, theLagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has mourned the passing of Sheikh Alhaji Muyideen Ajani Bello.
Governor Sanwo-Olu described the death of Sheikh Bello, who died at the age of 84 on Friday, as a great loss to the country, particularly the Muslim community.
In a statement issued on Friday by Mr. Gboyega Akosile, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the late Sheikh Bello left an indelible mark on the Muslim community and his followers across the world, and he would be sorely missed.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also condoled with the deceased’s family, Muslim faithful, friends and Muslim community across the country over the demise of the renowned Islamic cleric.
He said: “Sheikh Alhaji Muyideen Ajani Bello lived a fulfilled life. He dedicated his life to the service of the people and the propagation of Islam. His death is a great loss, but we are consoled by the good life that he lived and the legacy that he left behind.
“On behalf of my family, the people and the Government of Lagos State, I commiserate with the immediate family, friends, associates and the entire Muslim community over the passing of elder statesman and Islamic scholar, Sheikh Alhaji Muyideen Ajani Bello, who passed away at the age of 84 years
“The late Sheikh Alhaji Muyideen Ajani Bello would be remembered for his great sacrifice and commitment to the propagation of Islam, honesty, dignity, harmony and moral development of our people.
“I pray that Allah grants the repose of the late Sheikh Alhaji Muyideen Ajani Bello Aljannah Firdaus and grant the deceased family and loved ones the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
Sheikh Muyideen was born in 1940 into the family of Alhaji Bello Ajani and Alhaja Ubaidat Bello of Arolu Compound, Ita Olukoyi, Ibadan.
He began his elementary Western education at 1.D.C Primary School, Elekuro, Ibadan, and continued at the same school for his secondary education. He was a student at Mahdul Arabiy, Elekuro, from 1963 to 1967, where he acquired Arabic and Islamic knowledge.
From the tender age of 10, Alhaji Ajani Bello developed an interest in Islamic propagation and was preaching across the nooks and crannies of Ibadan city.
He taught at various secondary schools in Oyo, Ogun, and Kano States. He was also appointed Missioner of the foremost Islamic organisation, Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria.
Alhaji Muyideen Bello had, on various occasions, been invited to spread the message of Islam worldwide, including in the UK, US, neighbouring African countries, and more.
