Just In: Popular Islamic Scholar Dies

A renowned Islamic preacher, Sheikh Muhydeen Ajani-Bello is dead.

Sheikh Ajani-Bello breathed his last in the early hours of today at a private hospital in Ibadan where he was receiving treatment for Malaria.

A cousin, Dr Abdulmumeen Ajani-Bello, who confirmed the demise of the fierce Ibadan born Islamic preacher said the deceased celebrated his 86 birthday few weeks ago.

Sheikh Ajani-Bello was born into the family of Alhaji Bello Ajani and Alhaja Ubaidat Bello of Arolu Compound, Ita Olukoyi, Ibadan.

He had his elementary Western education at 1.D.C Primary School, Elekuro, Ibadan, and secondary education in the same school.

He was a student of the Islamic Institute, Nigeria, Elekuro, Ibadan from 1963 to 1967, where he was equipped with versed Arabic and Islamic knowledge.

Sheikh Ajani-Bello developed interest in Islamic propagation and was preaching across the nooks and crannies of Ibadan city at the tender age of 10.

He was an Arabic/Islamic teacher in many secondary schools in Oyo, Ogun and Kano states, and was appointed the Chief Missioner of a foremost Islamic organisation, Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria in Kano State.

Sheikh Ajani-Bello was on many occasions invited by individuals and Islamic organisations to deliver lectures on Islam in countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and many African countries.

The scholar, who is survived by wives, children and grandchildren will be buried at his Akobo residence, Ibadan today after Asr prayer according to Islamic rite.