At 10:20 a.m., a WhatsApp group titled “Which Way Nigeria,” created by Alhaji Lateef Agboola, Chairman of OSBC NUJ, buzzed with a message from a member, M.O. He wrote, “Breaking News: Sheikh Muyideen Ajani Bello is dead.” I replied, “Okay.” Another user added, “May Allah have mercy on his soul,” while someone else wrote, “Haaaa, may his gentle soul rest in perfect peace, amen.” In response, I questioned, “Something that’s not yet confirmed?”
M.O. insisted, “Confirmed.” I challenged him further, asking, “Where is your source? Secondly, his death has been announced up to five times in my 28 years of existence.” He replied curtly, “Do your findings if you don’t believe… Shikena.” I stood firm, stating, “No, sir. I await official confirmation, that’s all. Or, you tell us your source.”
Another group member, Omoba DEMOL, commented, “Why is it so easy for people to quickly post news? When Baba bought his latest vehicle, nobody celebrated it. Even his birthday passed quietly. Now, breaking news… Is it a thing of joy?”
Despite the initial uncertainty, what became clear afterwards by Sheikh Taofeeq Akeugbagold is that the Sultonul Wa’izeen of Yorubaland, Sheikh Dr. Muhydeen Ajani Bello, has indeed passed away.
Sheikh Muhydeen Ajani Bello was a preacher we all grew up listening to—avid, fearless, and bold. His iconic phrase, “Yah Salam, Yah Salam,” resonates with many of us who encountered his teachings across various mediums, from cassette tapes and rechargeable lantern radios to compact discs and now social media. Even skit makers have used his words as interludes in their productions.
His life transcended generations, leaving a legacy of bold preaching and timeless wisdom. Sheikh Muhydeen Ajani Bello reportedly passed away today at the age of 84.
Born in 1940 into the family of Alhaji Bello Ajani and Alhaja Ubaidat Bello of Arolu Compound, Ita Olukoyi, Ibadan, Sheikh Bello lived a life of immense impact, touching countless lives through his fearless approach to preaching and advocacy for truth and justice.
May Allah grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus and give his family the fortitude to bear this great loss.
Taofik Adekunle Jimoh (JAAT) is the editor of News Bulletin Nigeria
