President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the esteemed Islamic scholar, Sheikh Muyideen Ajani Bello, who passed away at the age of 84.
President Tinubu joined the Muslim Ummah in mourning the loss of the revered cleric, whose life was dedicated to serving Allah and humanity.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu highlighted the significant impact Sheikh Bello made during his lifetime, emphasizing his contributions to spiritual growth, peace, and moral guidance.
“Sheikh Bello was a cerebral scholar who lived to serve the Almighty Allah and humanity. His unusual insight into the Holy Quran, depth of wisdom, and gift of interpretation provided peace, comfort, and guidance to many,” the President stated.
Tinubu praised the cleric’s lifelong dedication to prayers, studying, and meditation, which he said helped shape Sheikh Bello’s impactful teachings and guided the destinies of many Muslims within and beyond Nigeria.
The President also acknowledged Sheikh Bello’s strong advocacy for charity, peace, and civil order. “He frequently counselled leaders on the importance of trust, honesty, and fairness as cornerstones for good governance,” President Tinubu noted.
Sheikh Bello was widely regarded for his wisdom and commitment to uplifting others, often using his platform to bridge divides and promote harmony among people.
President Tinubu prayed for Allah to grant the late scholar eternal rest and to comfort his family and followers. He urged Nigerians to emulate the values Sheikh Bello upheld during his lifetime.
“Sheikh Bello’s legacy will continue to inspire generations. Let us honor his memory by approximating the virtues he exemplified,” the President added.
The statement concluded with an appeal for unity and continued adherence to the teachings of the late Islamic cleric.
![Rev. Fr. Anthony Odiong, a US-based Nigerian Louisiana Catholic priest, was arrested in Florida on Tuesday for possessing child pornography, according to law authorities. The suspect is reportedly accused of many other cases of sexual assault. The Waco, Texas, Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that officers detained Father Anthony Odiong in Ave Maria, Florida, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Waco police announced in March that they had received "credible information" about a sexual assault allegedly committed by Odiong in Texas in 2012. “During the subsequent investigation, a case of possession of child pornography was uncovered,” the police said. The priest was apprehended in Florida by the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Waco Police Department said that he will be extradited to Texas. Odiong had previously served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before being removed as priest in December of last year due to controversy over homilies in which he claimed, among other things, that the Catholic Church was being taken over by "the gays." At the time, the priest was also accused of abusive behaviour; a Louisiana lady claimed in U.S. bankruptcy court that Odiong had committed both financial and sexual abuse against her. Prior to joining the New Orleans Archdiocese, Odiong served in at least two Texas parishes. On Tuesday, Waco police stated that during their sexual assault investigation, "the presence of other survivors was revealed." “Multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences as the sexual assault survivor who reported the initial allegation,” the police department said. “Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognised as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing every element of Anthony Odiong’s manipulation.” The police said they “believe there may be more survivors, and we wish to speak with anyone who [has] had similar encounters” with the priest. The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a brief news release on Tuesday noting Odiong's arrest in Florida. The archdiocese “encourages anyone with any information to contact law enforcement,” the release said.](https://chronicle.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ezgif-6-4730550ede-450x300.jpg "Odiong: US-based Nigerian Catholic priest convicted over sexual assault")
