Renowned Ibadan-born Islamic scholar, Sheikh Muyideen Ajani Bello, has passed on at the age of 84.
The death of the popular cleric was confirmed on the Instagram page of his son, Katibi Abdul Basit Olanrewaju, who is popularly known as Aponle Anobi, where he shared the Sheikh’s picture with a tearful emoji.
Similarly, another Ibadan popular Islamic cleric, Sheikh Taofeeq Akewugbagold, confirmed the demise of Bello via his Facebook page.
“Today is one of my saddest day! My father and mentor has returned to his creator. Sultonul Wahizeen of Yorubaland, Sheikh Muhyideen Ajani Bello. May Allah be pleased with your soul. Aljannah fridaos for you. Our heart is full of grief and our eyes full of tears but we will say nothing but what will please our Creator the sole commander of life and death – Allah.”
His death was confirmed by Agidigbo FM, a radio station in Ibadan.
Sheikh Bello spent much of his life in Kano State, where he was known for his unwavering commitment to social justice and speaking out against corruption.
Sheikh Bello, a reverred figure in Islamic circles, was born in 1940 into the family of Alhaji Bello Ajani and Alhaja Ubaidat Bello of Arolu Compound, Ita Olukoyi, Ibadan.
He began his western education at IDC Primary School, Elekuro, Ibadan, continuing there for his secondary studies. From 1963 to 1967, he attended Mahdul Arabiy, Elekuro, where he deepened his knowledge of Arabic and Islamic studies.
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His passion for Islamic propagation began at the tender age of 10, as he preached across Ibadan’s communities.
Over the years, he expanded his influence, becoming a teacher at secondary schools in Oyo, Ogun, and Kano states. His dedication saw him invited to preach across Nigeria and globally, with engagements in the UK, US, and several African countries.
He was later appointed Missioner of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, a prestigious Islamic organisation.
Sheikh Ajani Bello also made significant contributions to Islamic education by helping establish and run several schools and institutions. These schools focus on quality education while teaching Islamic values. He also promoted a balanced approach to learning, combining religious teachings with modern sciences and humanities.
The cleric leaves behind a legacy of spiritual guidance and advocacy for truth, which will be remembered by his followers and admirers worldwide
As at the time of this report, admirers and his followers have been paying tributes to the late cleric.
