Popular Islamic cleric and preacher, Sheikh Muyideen Ajani Bello popularly known as ‘Oniwasi Agbaye’ (Global preacher) is dead. The Ibadan-born cleric, widely respected for his bold preaching of truth to those in power, left a lasting impact on many in Nigeria’s religious and political circles.
City People gathered that the cleric passed away on Friday at the age of 84 years.
Sheikh Akeugbagold Taofeeq announced the news of his demise. He wrote; “Today is one of my saddest days! My father and mentor, has returned to his creator. SULTONUL WAHIZEEN of Yorubaland Sheikh Muhyideen 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”
Born in Ibadan, Sheikh Bello had his first experience as a public speaker at age 10. His quest for knowledge increased at the age of nine when he requested to live with his uncle, who at the time ran an Islamic school in Ibadan.
ABOUT HIS LIFE & LEGACY
Sheikh Bello spent much of his life in Kano State, where he was known for his unwavering commitment to social justice and speaking out against corruption.
Sheikh Bello, a revered figure in Islamic circles, was born in 1940 into the family of Alhaji Bello Ajani and Alhaja Ubaidat Bello of Arolu Compound, Ita Olukoyi, Ibadan.
He began his Western education at IDC Primary School, Elekuro, Ibadan, continuing there for his secondary studies. From 1963 to 1967, he attended Mahdul Arabiy, Elekuro, where he deepened his knowledge of Arabic and Islamic studies.
His passion for Islamic propagation began at the tender age of 10, as he preached across Ibadan’s communities.
Over the years, he expanded his influence, becoming a teacher at secondary schools in Oyo, Ogun, and Kano states.
He was later appointed Missioner of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, a prestigious Islamic organisation.
Sheikh Bello spent part of his life in Kano before returning to Ibadan, where he continued his mission of spreading Islam.
His dedication saw him invited to preach across Nigeria and globally, with engagements in the UK, US, and several African countries.
The cleric leaves behind a legacy of spiritual guidance and advocacy for truth, which will be remembered by his followers and admirers worldwide.
Over six decades after that transformative experience, the Islamic preacher has become one of the nation’s leading scholars.
