Eminent academics, scholars, legal experts, religious leadersand other dignitaries converged on Osun Hall, Ikeja Airport Hotel, Lagos Sunday, February 15, 2026, for the public presentation of ‘Homegrown Scholar of the Divine Legal System, a Festschrift in honour of Prof Iysa Ade Bello.’

The launch attracted high networth guests such as Prof Yusuf Olaolu Alli (SAN), chairman of the ceremony; Registrar and Chief Executive of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof Isiaq Oloyede; Provost of the College of Law, Osun State University, Prof Majeed Alabi; former Dean of Law at Lagos State University, Prof Debo Olayinka; Prof AbdulRazaq and Prof Taiwo Ajala of Lagos State University,Prof Yusuf AbdulRasheed of the University of Abuja, and others.

The event recognised his contribution to Islamic law, jurisprudence, and academic development. It also honoured the scholar whose work influenced academic and religious communities.

In his welcome address, Dean of the Faculty of Law, Osun State University, Prof Nasir Adeniyi Maruf, described the event as a significant academic occasion, saying it reflected the intellectual journey of a scholar whose career demonstrated excellence and discipline.He also recognised Prof Ade Bello’s service to scholarship and Islamic teaching.

While stating that Prof Bello contributed to the growth of jurisprudence and Islamic law at the Osun State University (UNIOSUN) and Lagos State University (LASU) through teaching, researchand mentorship,he encouraged young scholars to learn from his dedication to knowledge and service. He also urged guests to recognise and celebrate his scholarly contributions.

Prof Alaro, in his review, explained that the Festschrift contains 28 chapters written by several distinguished contributors and edited by four professors. He said the publication addresses key legal and social issues. The authors, according to him, examinedShari’ah And Legal Pluralism In Nigeria’s Multicultural Setting. And differently, they lamented the absence of Shari’ah Courts of Appeal in Southern Nigeria despite the existence of customary courts.

He also highlighted chapters on Constitutional Reform and Human Rights, which examined the 1999 Constitution as amended.He subsequently called for broader participation in amendment processes.

Environmental sustainability and natural resource management were equally examined, with attention to legal challenges and environmental degradation. Other chapters addressed medical issues such as surrogacy through Islamic and medical perspectives.

Prof Alaro added that the book included a chapter on anti-money laundering and the financing of terrorism, which clarified misconceptions linking Islamic banks with terrorism.

He said the opening chapter presents an academic biography of Prof Bello and documents his intellectual influence.

Prof Oloyede formally unveiled the book and commended the honouree’s dedication to scholarship and faith. He emphasised the importance of intellectual responsibility and Islamic brotherhood.

He advised Muslims in Southern Nigeria, especially the Yorubato support lawful efforts aimed at establishing Shari’ah Courts of Appeal. He urged leaders and scholars to take practical steps in advancing legal development.