An era comes to an end in Kwara State as the longest-serving Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Saliu, has passed away at the age of 75. After more than four decades of spiritual leadership, the beloved cleric died on Monday morning in Abuja following a brief illness. He will be remembered as a pillar of wisdom and a unifying force for the Muslim Ummah.
The Ilorin Emirate has confirmed the passing of its longest-serving Chief Imam, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Saliu, in a statement released by Abdulazeez Arowona, spokesman for the Emir of Ilorin.
The Emirate mourns the loss of the revered scholar, with funeral rites (Janazah) set to take place today at the Palace Square.
Born and raised in Ilorin, Kwara State, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Saliu (OON) dedicated his life to the pursuit of Islamic scholarship and the spiritual service of the Ilorin Emirate. Appointed as the 12th Chief Imam of Ilorin in October 1983 at just 33 years old, he remained a steadfast pillar of the faith for over four decades, marking the longest tenure in the city’s recorded history.
Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Saliu, the 12th Chief Imam of Ilorin, was a titan of religious leadership whose career spanned over 42 years of spiritual service. His ascent from a devoted scholar to the Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Ulama solidified his status as one of Northern Nigeria’s most respected and influential voices in Islamic jurisprudence.
The late Chief Imam leaves behind a transformative legacy of peace and scholarship. Renowned for his distinctive voice in Qur’anic recitation and his principled advocacy for societal unity, he bridged divides while shaping the future of the faith. By cultivating a new lineage of learned successors, he ensured that his lifelong mission of religious tolerance remains a guiding light for the community.
