Tinubu, Atiku, Others Express Condolences Over Death Of Sheikh Muyideen Ajani Bello

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and other prominent figures have expressed their deep sorrow and shared in the grief of the Muslim Ummah following the death of renowned Islamic scholar Sheikh Muyideen Ajani Bello at the age of 84.

The passing of the highly revered scholar was announced on Friday morning by another prominent Islamic leader, Alfa Aribidesi of At-Tawdeeh Islamic Da’awah.

Sheikh Bello, born in 1940 in Ibadan, was celebrated for his profound teachings and steadfast commitment to Islamic scholarship, earning respect both within Nigeria and internationally.

In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, President Tinubu expressed his condolences, describing the loss of Sheikh Bello as a significant one for both the Muslim community and the nation at large.

President Tinubu commended the late cleric’s lifelong dedication to serving Allah and humanity, highlighting his exceptional knowledge of the Holy Quran and his wisdom in guiding countless individuals toward peace and understanding.

“Sheikh Muyideen Ajani Bello was a man of extraordinary insight into the Quran, 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 for Allah to grant the cleric eternal rest and comfort his family, urging Nigerians to emulate the late scholar’s virtues.

His insight touched countless life – 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 Muyideen 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 in his condolence message desrbibed the late Bello as a renowed scholar with deep knowleged 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.”

Ajani Bello’s death national loss – Kwara governor

The governor, in a statement on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, described the death of the foremost Islamic preacher as a national loss to the people of Nigeria.

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.

“He kept his honour as a disciplined scholar with mass appeals across social strata.

“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 Allaah to ease his accounts, grant him al-Jannah Firdaus, and uphold his family upon the goodness and his fine legacies”, he prayed.

Bello lived a fulfilled life – Sanwo-Olu

Similarly, Lagos State 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 society.

“Sheikh Alhaji Muyideen 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 Muyideen Ajani Bello,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu concluded with a prayer: “May Allah grant the late Sheikh Aljannah Firdaus and provide his family and loved ones the strength to bear this irreparable loss.”

Sheikh Muyideen 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.

Moral compass – Senator Buhari

Lawmaker representing Oyo North Senatorial District, Senator Fatai Buhari, in a statement reacting to the death of the renowned Islamic cleric described Sheikh Bello as a “moral compass, a voice of truth, and a father figure whose counsel I cherished deeply. His wisdom and guidance were unparalleled, and his presence illuminated every space he entered.

“I was blessed to share a special moment with him just weeks ago during the commissioning of the ultra modern mosque I built in Ogbomoso. His words that day were not just sermons; they were divine truths that strengthened my resolve to serve humanity with humility and faith. Baba embodied the virtues of Islam—compassion, courage, and sincerity.

“His courage in speaking truth to power, his unrelenting pursuit of unity, and his life-long dedication to Dawah will remain an eternal legacy. Baba did not just preach Islam; he lived it in its purest form. Alhamdulilahi, at 84, he ended well.”

A towering figure – Senator Sharafadeen Alli

In the same vein, the senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District, Sharafadeen Alli also expressed deep sadness over the passing of Sheikh Bello.

Alli described the late cleric as a towering figure whose teachings as well as lifestyle profoundly impacted countless lives in Nigeria and beyond.

The lawmaker lauded Sheikh Bello for his unwavering commitment to Islam and his dedication to preaching peace, unity, and the fear of Allah.

He said that the cleric’s sermons often inspired hope, strengthened faith, and promoted morality among Muslims as well aside non-Muslims alike.

“Sheikh Muhyideen Bello was a spiritual beacon whose words guided millions of souls.

“He was an embodiment of piety, wisdom and humility, always reminding all of their duties to Allah and humanity. His passing is a great loss not only to the Islamic community but also to all who cherish justice, kindness, and righteousness,” Alli said.

Alli extended heartfelt condolences to the deceased’s family, his disciples and the entire Muslim Ummah, urging them to find solace in the impactful and exemplary life the cleric lived.

He called on everyone to honour Sheikh Bello’s memory by upholding the values he tirelessly preached throughout his lifetime.

“All of us are reminded once again of the transience of life and the importance of living for the greater good.

“May the Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus and give us the strength to bear this irreplaceable loss,” Alli concluded.