The Nigerian Muslim community is in mourning following the death of renowned Islamic scholar, Alhaji Muyideen Ajani Bello. Born in 1940 in Ibadan, Oyo State, Bello was widely revered for his deep knowledge, fearless sermons, and lifelong commitment to Islamic education and unity.
The news of his passing was confirmed on Friday morning by Alfa Aribidesi of At-Tawdeeh Islamic Da’awah. Prominent Islamic singer Alhaji Basit Olanrewaju, popularly known as Aponle Anabi, also shared the announcement on his Facebook page, posting an image of the late scholar accompanied by tearful emojis.
Another cleric, Sheikh Taofeeq Akeugbagold, paid tribute to Bello in a heartfelt Facebook post, describing him as his “father and mentor.”
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.”
While the exact details surrounding his death are unclear, reports indicate that Bello’s burial will likely follow Islamic rites on Friday evening.
Alhaji Muyideen Bello’s journey in Islamic scholarship began early. At the age of nine, he moved to Ibadan to live with his uncle, an Islamic scholar, to deepen his knowledge of the Quran. Later, he balanced religious studies with formal education, earning a National Certificate of Education (NCE) and briefly working in electronics.
Known for his fearless sermons, Bello often said, “From my childhood, I was noted for saying the truth no matter whose ox is gored.” This unwavering commitment to truth defined his life and teachings, which have had a lasting impact on Muslims in Nigeria and beyond.
