President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu have expressed profound grief over the passing of Sheikh Muyideen 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 Quran and wisdom in guiding many 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.
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 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.