Sheikh Muyideen Ajani Bello, a prominent Ibadan-born Islamic cleric has passed away aged 84.
His death was announced in a Facebook post by Sheikh Akeugbagold Taofeeq, another popular Islamic cleric earlier today.
He posted “Today is one of my saddest days! 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.” He concluded.
Life and Times of Sheikh Bello
Origin
Sheikh Muyideen was born in 1940 into the family of Alhaji Bello Ajani and Alhaja Ubaidat Bello of Arolu Compound, Ita Olukoyi, Ibadan. His father was an islamic scholar and as a result, Sheik Muyideen Ajani Bello, had his first experience as a public speaker at the age of 10.
The young Muyideen began learning the Koran from the day he was able to tell his right from his left. As a child, he attended regular school in the morning and returned to study the Quran after school, within a short period, he became the favorite of other young pupils and the teachers who viewed him as the master’s child. He would go on to live with his uncle in Ibadan as a child.
The young Muyideen soon mastered the contents of the Quran and became very adept at delivering sermons, using the Quran. Due to this, when he turned 10, he was carried on his uncle’s shoulders to deliver a public lecture which was the first of many more to come over his lifetime.
Formal Education
Unlike most Islamic clerics of the period, young Muyideen was not averse to acquiring formal education, His major aim was to become an Electrical/Electronics Engineer having come of a Family of well educated people by the standards of that time.
After his secondary education, Sheikh Muyideen went on to acquire a National Certificate of Education (NCE) certificate.
His first job as an adult was as a teacher in a college. He was among the pioneer teachers of Ansa-ru-deen College, Shaki, Oyo State. He also worked at Abeokuta Grammar School, where he taught Islamic Studies and Biology.
Journey to Being a Cleric
Sheikh Muyideen Bello’s journey to being an islamic cleric started in Kano when he relocated to join his Brother. There, members of the mosque he attended with his brother were shocked at his vast understanding of his Quran.
Before long, one of the leaders in the Mosque, who was also a family member of the late head of state, General Murtala Mohamed, invited him to his office and convinced him to return to teaching.
Devotion to Truth
Sheikh Muyideen soon utilized his deep knowledge became one of the foremost Islamic Clerics of his generation with his commitment to preaching the Quran without fear or favor drawing him acclaims globally. Sheikh Bello spent part of his life in Kano before returning to Ibadan, where he continued his mission of spreading Islam.
He was known for telling the truth regardless of the situation.
“From my childhood, I was noted for saying the truth no matter whose ox is gored,” he once said.
“It is with utmost truth that we should speak God’s words every day. That is the way I approach my sermons whenever I speak to the people.”
His public lectures were well attended and had a massive impact on the Islamic community in Nigeria and beyond. He was invited to preach in the UK, US, and several African countries.
As a foremost cleric, he served as an appointed Missioner of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, a prestigious Islamic organisation.
He also helped 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.
Reactions to His Death
The news of Sheikh Muyideen Bello’s death has drawn massive reactions on social media since it broke with numerous individuals affirming his profound impact upon their lives.
His death was confirmed by his Islamic musician son, Katibi Abdul Basit Olanrewaju, popularly known as Aponle Anobi, on Friday morning when he took to his Instagram page to share the Sheikh’s picture with a tearful emoji.
He wrote, “😭😭😭😭😭😭.”
Another Islamic cleric, Sheikh Taofeeq Akewugbagold, who was one of those to earlier confirm the demise of Bello via his Facebook page posted:
“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.”
gbajumo_otolorin said, “Inna lilah waena ilehi rajiun 😢.”
Moromoke Lateefah Abioye said, “May Allah accept Baba returns, forgive his shortcomings and make Alijanah fridaous has his final abode, amin.”
Omobolaji Adesina said, “Allah Akbar kebeerah! Inna Lilahi wa Inna illahi rajiun. May Almighty Allah be please with his soul.”
Alebiosu Fadeke said, “Allahu 😭😭😭😭. Hahaa o maa ga o. Alhaji muhyidee Ajani Bello.”
Jola Ade said, “May Allah accept his returns and grant him aljanat fridauz.”
Saliu Ridwan Idris-Elepo said, “May Almighty grant him janatu fridaus.”
Mustapha Rofiat Ayobami said, “Innalillahi wa inna ilaehi rojiun. May Almighty Allah forgive him.”
Since the announcement of his passing, mourners have flocked to his Akobo residence in Ibadan to console his family and pay respects.
Many Nigerians have also prayed that late scholar’s “legacy will continue to inspire generations, as his life remains a testament to unwavering faith, the pursuit of knowledge, and the power of truth.”
