By Adeboye Ado

The passing of Sheikh Muyideen Ajani Bello, a revered Islamic preacher and the State Missioner of the Ansar-ud-Deen Society, Northern States Council, has elicited an outpouring of tributes and condolences.

The Hope reports that the cleric, known for his commitment to justice and equity, passed away earlier today in Ibadan.

In an exclusive interview, Alhaji Ganny Amuda, the Vice Chairman of NASFAT in Ikare Akoko, described the late preacher as a vociferous critic who openly criticised the late General Sani Abacha’s regime.

“The death of Sheikh Bello came as a rude shock because he was very popular and one of the religious leaders who openly criticised Abacha’s regime.

“We all know what happened during the regime of Sani Abacha, but Sheikh Bello rose to the occasion by speaking truth to power in the face of apparent intimidation.”

Amuda, who described the deceased as a fearless advocate for good governance, lauded Sheikh Bello’s dedication to the propagation of Islam in Nigeria.

“Muslim Ummah and Islam have lost a pious and fearless cleric,” Amuda said.

Alhaji Ibrahim Kilani, a close associate of the late Sheikh, described him as a preacher who exemplified the teachings of Islam in his daily life.

Kilani, who also served as the immediate past National Organising Secretary of the Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, stated: “Baba was a human rights advocate and a true believer in justice and fairness.”

Meanwhile, a community stakeholder, Alhaji Sarumi Adebola from Irun Akoko, extended his condolences to the Ansar-ud-Deen Society, the Muslim Ummah, and the bereaved family, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of the preacher.

In a related development, Nigerians have been urged to support President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to revitalise the economy by backing the new tax reform bills.

Sheikh Abdurazak Atareaku, an Islamic scholar and Chief Imam of Illah Allah Islamic Propagation Central Mosque, Agbo Okela, Ikare Akoko, made the call on Friday during his sermon.

He stressed that over-reliance on crude oil is not a sustainable solution to the country’s economic woes.

Sheikh Atareaku also urged Muslim clerics and preachers to consistently speak out against corruption, dishonesty, greed, and lack of contentment, which, he said, have negatively impacted the country’s current economic challenges.

He emphasised that it is the responsibility of religious leaders to address societal issues and encourage their followers to avoid practices that are detrimental to the nation’s wellbeing.

The Sheikh noted that such failings have driven many Nigerians to seek better opportunities abroad.

Furthermore, Sheikh Atareaku called for a collective effort to reduce hardship, including adopting modest lifestyles, avoiding wastefulness, and extending support to the less privileged in society.