President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu have expressed profound grief over the passing of Sheikh Muhyideen Ajani Bello, a highly respected Islamic scholar and preacher, who died at the age of 84.
In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Friday, President Tinubu described Bello’s death as a significant loss to the Muslim Ummah and the nation.
He praised the cleric’s devotion to serving Allah and humanity, noting his exceptional knowledge of the Holy Qur’an and wisdom in guiding many towards peace and understanding.
“Sheikh Muhyideen Ajani Bello was a man of extraordinary insight into the Qur’an, and his interpretations brought comfort and guidance to countless individuals. His early discovery of divine purpose, shaped by long hours of prayers and meditation, left an indelible mark on the destiny of Muslims within and outside Nigeria,” Tinubu said.
The President commended Bello for his steadfast advocacy for charity, peace, and civil order, emphasising his frequent counsel to leaders on the importance of trust, honesty, and fairness in governance.
Tinubu prayed Allah to grant the cleric eternal rest and comfort his family, urging Nigerians to emulate the late scholar’s virtues.
* He spoke truth to power in nuanced way: Kwara Gov
Also, Kwara State Governor and Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, said he received with shock, sadness, but total submission to the will of Allah the death of foremost Muslim preacher and icon, Sheikh Muhyideen Ajani Bello.
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.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, the governor disclosed that the late cleric kept his honour as a disciplined scholar with mass appeals across social strata.
The statement added that “He spoke truth to power in a nuanced way that respects sensibilities in equal measures.”
“The death of Sheikh Ajani Bello is, indeed a national loss. Our commiserations go to the people and government of Oyo State, the Ansar-Ud-Deen Family worldwide, and the Muslim community as a whole. We ask Allah to ease his accounts, grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus, and uphold his family upon goodness and his fine legacies.”
He was a courageous, forthright, and patriotic religious leader: Makinde
In his condolence, Oyo State governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde, described the death of popular Muslim scholar, Sheikh Muhydeen Ajani Bello, as shocking and unexpected.
Governor Makinde, in a statement released in Ibadan on Friday, condoled with the immediate family of the Sheikh, the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo, and Delta states, Alhaji Dawud Makanjuola Akinola, the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulganiyu Abubakry Agbotomokekere, the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria and especially Oyo State, where the Ibadan-born Islamic preacher and leader was a major figure until his death.
The governor extolled the virtue of the renowned cleric, describing him as a courageous, forthright, and patriotic religious leader, who set good examples for others.
He prayed Allah to grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus, while also praying to God to uphold the immediate family, friends, and well-wishers of the renowned Muslim scholar.
Sanwo-Olu lauds Ajani Bello’s contribution to Islam
Similarly, Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, lauded Sheikh Bello’s immense contributions to Islam and the society.
“Sheikh Alhaji Muhyideen Ajani Bello lived a fulfilled life, dedicating himself to the service of people and the propagation of Islam. His death is a great loss, but we are consoled by the good life he lived and the enduring legacy he left behind,” Sanwo-Olu stated.
The governor highlighted the cleric’s unwavering commitment to honesty, dignity, and moral development, describing him as a beacon of spiritual and moral guidance.
“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 Muhyideen Ajani Bello,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu concluded with a prayer: “May Allah grant the late Sheikh Al-jannah Firdaus and provide his family and loved ones the strength to bear this irreparable loss.”
Sheikh Muhyideen Bello, renowned for his dedication to the propagation of Islam, charity, and peace, has left behind a legacy that will continue to inspire millions within and beyond Nigeria.
His insight touched countless lives – Atiku
Similarly, ex-Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, in a post on X said; “I received with a heavy heart the news of the passing of Sheikh Muhyideen Bello, a revered Islamic cleric whose teachings and insight touched countless lives across Nigeria and beyond.
“Sheikh Bello was a beacon of moral guidance, an advocate for peace, and a dedicated servant of Allah. His inspiring sermons not only deepened our understanding of faith but also emphasised the values of love, unity, and compassion in our communities.
“His departure is a profound loss, not just to the Muslim Ummah but to the entire nation. As we mourn this monumental loss, we take solace in the fact that his legacy of service and his contributions to humanity will continue to inspire generations to come.
“On behalf of my family, I extend my profound condolences to his family, the Muslim community, and all those who were impacted by his life and teachings. I pray that Almighty Allah grants him Al-Jannah Firdaus and provides his loved ones with the strength to bear this irreparable loss. May his soul rest in peace. Amin.”
A celebrated Islamic scholar – Saraki
Also, former Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki in his condolence message described the late Bello as a renowned scholar with deep knowledge of Islamic theology.
In a post on X, Saraki said; “Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. With complete submission to the will of Almighty Allah (SWT), I join the Muslim Ummah in mourning the loss of our beloved Sheikh Muhydeen Ajani Bello. He was renowned for his deep knowledge of Islamic theology and celebrated for his moral character.
“I pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) grants Sheikh a place in Aljannah Firdaus and gives his family, friends, and all those touched by his passing the strength and patience to bear this great loss.”
Sheikh Muhyideen Bello was a courageous leader – Pantami
In his own condolence statement, former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, described Sheikh Muhyideen Ajani Bello as a courageous leader and a truly exceptional individual.
He extended his heartfelt condolences to the family, students, associates, and relatives of the late scholar whose da’wah work went as far as the North.
“According to Professor Is’haq Akintola, Sheikh’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,” Pantami wrote.
“He was a scholar who was deeply loved and cherished by many. Professor Ishaq Akintola described him as a scholar so beloved by Southwest Muslims that there is none comparable.
“Sheikh’s death has left a vacuum. We pray that Allah forgives Sheikh 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,” he added.
