…Gani Adams, Alli, Folarin, others pay tributes
By Oluseye Ojo
Apopular Islamic cleric, Sheikh Muhyideen Ajani Bello, who died in the early hours of Friday, has been buried according to Islamic rites at his residence in Akobo, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Bello, who was born in 1940, died at the age of 84 in his house in Ibadan, his country home. He was said to have started public speaking at the age of 10.
Meanwhile, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, and Senator Sharafadeen Alli, representing Oyo South senatorial district in the National Assembly, as well as Senator Teslim Folarin, a former Senate Leader, are among eminent Nigerians that paid glowing tributes to the cleric. Adams, in a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Aderemi, described the death of the foremost Islamic cleric as a rude shock. He said the Yoruba race and the Muslim community lost a true and illustrious son, and an advocate of truth and justice. He condoled with the bereaved family, the Oyo State government, and the public on Bello’s demise.
“I received the news of the death of the foremost Islamic scholar and cleric, the late Sheik Muhyideen Ajani Bello with rude shock. Baba’s death was so unexpected, especially, at this time when a few people are ready to speak truth to power. We will always miss his resilience, courage and above all his fear of God.
“The late Alhaji Bello was very blunt with his teachings and lectures. That was what made him the model and father figure to many, who saw and looked up to him as one of the Khalifa of God.” Sen. Sharafadeen Alli also expressed deep sadness over the passing of Bello, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Akeem Abas. He described the deceased as a towering figure, whose teachings as well as lifestyle profoundly impacted countless lives in Nigeria and beyond. “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.
Former Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin, in a statement he personally issued on Friday, also mourned the passing of Bello. He described him as a great father and advisor. According to him, “I can’t find the appropriate words to express my sadness but I take solace in the fact that Baba came, saw and conquered.
Nigerian and African Muslim Ummah have lost a legend. Sheik Bello was an international Islamic preacher, scholar and peace ambassador.
“He lived a selfless and fulfilled life, where he gave his all for the propagation of Islam. His usual pieces of advice and wise counsel to political, religious and traditional leaders will be greatly missed. I convey my deepest condolences to the bereaved families, Muslim Ummah and Nigerian Government.”