Spurred by his outstanding contribution to knowledge impartation and uniqueness of his approach to preaching and propagating virtues of Islam home and overseas, the Yoruba Council for Islamic Preachers has turbaned Sheikh Muhyideen Ajani Bello as King of Islamic Preachers (KIP) in Yorubaland (Sultonul waa’izeen).

Reputable Islamic Scholars, traditional leaders and dignitaries graced the turbaning ceremony which was held in Lagos State recently.

The newly turbaned KIP is expected to provide leadership in solidifying Muslim scholars and the ummah in southwest Nigeria.

He was conferred with the title, owing to his decades of relentless efforts in spreading the universality of the Islamic message across the nooks and crannies of the world, which directly have a positive impact on leaders and followers.

The Oyo State-born fearless Muslim scholar and Chief Imam and Missioner of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Northern States Council by the Supreme Council for Islamic Preachers in Southwest was born in 1940 into the family of Alhaji Bello Ajani and Alhaja Ubaidat Bello of Arolu Compound, Ita Olukoyi, Ibadan. The then young Muhyideen Ajani began his elementary Western education at 1.D.C Primary School, Elekuro, Ibadan. He also attended the same school for secondary education. He was a student of Mahdul Arabiy, Elekuro from 1963 to 1967, where he was armed with Arabic and Islamic knowledge.

From the tender age of 10, Alhaji Ajani Bello developed an interest in Islamic propagation and was preaching across the nooks and crannies of Ibadan city. He has taught at various secondary schools in Oyo, Ogun and Kano states. He was also appointed Missioner of a foremost Islamic organisation Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria.

Alhaji Bello has been invited to spread the message of Allah and Islam from all over the world including in the United Kingdom, United States and neighbouring African countries, among others.

Speaking, President of the Council, Sheikh Taofeeq Akewugbagold, said the title is a perfect fit for Sheikh Muhyideen Ajani Bello whom he noted is in a very good position to be the leader of all Islamic preachers in Yorubaland.

“Sheikh Muhyideen Bello is an epitome of virtues. He embodies the good character of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Baba measures up to all our criteria. Baba has been a preacher for over 60 years, yet he has a stain-free image. Most importantly, he is a fearless preacher. He has called out those in the corridors of power without fear or favour.

However, despite being like a lion while speaking the truth and passing the message of Islam, Sheikh Muhyideen Bello is very soft in human relations with both Muslims and non-Muslims.”

On the selection process, Sheikh Akewugbagold said “more than 20 great scholars from Yorubaland were shortlisted for the position, but Baba Muhyideen Bello stood out both in terms of virtues and Islamic education. In terms of courageous preaching, he’s excellent. He also has a good relationship with scholars and people across the south and north of Nigeria. So, there are a lot of qualities seen in him. Baba is a unifying factor and a bridge builder. He is a personality everyone will respect. He is a blunt preacher. Even, we in the council know Baba will correct us when we are wrong, and we are expecting that.”

The Deputy President I of the Southwest Muslim Ummah of Nigeria (MUSWEN), Alhaji Rafiu Adisa Ebiti described the gathering as a glorious event, adding that, “the thing of joy is that our father, Oniwasi Agbaye, Sheikh Ajani Bello is recognised locally and internationally. That is a good development for the Muslim ummah and everybody. We know that he is an erudite scholar and preacher. We give glory to Almighty Allah.”

He also commended the Council for honouring Sheikh Ajani Bello with the title, urging them to be more active and do the needful in propagating the message of peace which Islam brought to mankind.

In his remarks, the Guest Lecturer, Sheikh Abdulfatah Muhammad Raji (Athaqofy), said the Sheikh has been in the field of Islamic da’wah for a very long time and he is known to be a unifier who strengthens the bond between Muslims. “Let’s do what Islam teaches us rightly. Islam teaches obedience to Allah. Islam teaches good human relations, even extending the same to those who are not Muslims.”