The Muslim community has been thrown into mourning following the passing of one of its most revered figures, Alhaji Muyideen Bello.
Born in 1940 in Ibadan, Alhaji Bello was widely respected for his profound teachings and unwavering dedication to Islamic scholarship.
The announcement of his demise was made by another prominent Islamic scholar, Alfa Aribidesi of At-Tawdeeh Islamic Da’awah on Friday morning.
Corroborating the news of the demise, popular cleric and follower of the late Bello, who is also an Islamic singer, Alhaji Basit Olarenwaju popularly known as Aponle Anabi also shared the image of the 84 year old scholar with tearful emojis on his official Facebook page on Friday.
While details surrounding his death remain unclear, his passing marks the end of an era for a man who spent decades shaping the lives of countless individuals with his wisdom, guidance, and spiritual leadership.
Reactions
Multiple reports from local media in Oyo State have also reported the demise of the revered cleric.
Similarly, the news of his demise was also confirmed by an Islamic cleric, Sheikh Taofeeq Akeugbagold in a post on Facebook on Friday morning.
He wrote, “Today is one of my saddest days! My father and mentor has returned to his Creator. SULTONUL WAHIZEEN of Yorubaland Sheikh Muyideen 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.”
Meanwhile, PUNCH Online reports that details about his funeral arrangements have yet to be officially made public but there are unverified reports that the late Islamic scholar and Ibadan born preacher will be buried according to Islamic rites on Friday evening.
The late Alhaji Muyideen Ajani Bello, known for his eloquence and deep understanding of Islam, was a beacon of knowledge and a tireless advocate for peace and unity. His teachings, according to Alfa Aribidesi of At-Tawdeeh Islamic Da’awah, “transcended generations, leaving an indelible impact on the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria and beyond.”
Ibadan residence flooded
Since the announcement of his passing, mourners have flocked to his Akobo residence in Ibadan to console his family and pay respects.
The scene, according to live videos, has been described as one of grief and gratitude, with many recalling the impact of his spiritual guidance and relentless pursuit of unity and enlightenment across Nigeria.
Peep into history
According to a media report by Oyo Insight in 2018 to mark the late Islamic scholar’s birthday, the agency noted that he became a public speaker from the age of 10, Alhaji Bello’s passion for learning began early.
At nine, he requested to live with his uncle, an Islamic scholar in Ibadan, to deepen his understanding of the Quran.
Though from Ibadan, he had always lived with his father a scholar who taught him the Holy Quran at Agbegilere, a farm settlement in Iwo, Osun State.
Relocating to live with his uncle, according to him in the interview, marked the start of his journey into scholarship, eventually making him one of Nigeria’s most prominent Islamic clerics.
Unlike many clerics of his time, Bello embraced formal education, earning a National Certificate of Education (NCE) and working briefly in electronics, a trade he learned from his brother.
He believed education was vital, stating, “Even at that time, I knew I would one day become an Islamic cleric. But I also wanted to make sure that I have a job that would put food on my table.”
Renowned for his fearless sermons, Alhaji Bello was uncompromising in his commitment to truth.
“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.”
Nigerians react
Many Nigerians also reacting to the report of his death across social media channels prayed for the late cleric and noted that the 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.”
