Prominent Islamic Scholar, Chief Imam of Ilorin, Dies at 75

The Ilorin Emirate and Nigeria’s Muslim community are mourning the death of Sheikh (Dr.) Muhammad Bashir Imam Solihu (Saliu), OON, the revered 12th Chief Imam of Ilorin, who passed away on Monday, January 19, 2026, at the age of 75 after a brief illness, Prime Business Africa reports.

His death was confirmed by his Chief Secretary, Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona, marking the end of a distinguished spiritual leadership that spanned more than four decades.

A Life Dedicated to Faith and Scholarship

Born in 1950 in Ilorin, Kwara State, Sheikh Salihu hailed from a family deeply rooted in Islamic scholarship. He was appointed Chief Imam by the 9th Emir of Ilorin, Shehu Zuluqarnaini Gambari Mohammed, and ascended as the 12th Chief Imam of Ilorin on October 15, 1983.

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During his 43-year tenure, he served under three Emirs of Ilorin and chaired the Kwara State Council of Ulama, Alfas, and Imams, promoting religious harmony, moral discipline, and unity within the Emirate and the wider Muslim community.

Globally, he was recognised for his intellectual depth, unwavering commitment to Islam, and distinctive sonorous voice, which made his sermons highly respected and widely followed.

Honours and Recognition

Sheikh Salihu received several national and international honours during his lifetime. In 2012, he was conferred with the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) by former President Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR, and in 2013, he received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Belaze University, UK.

In November 2025, his biography, titled “The Spiritual Orator”, was launched, documenting his decades of service, teachings, and impact on Islamic scholarship.

Tributes from Leaders

Former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, described Sheikh Salihu as a “towering institution whose life was defined by devotion to Allah, scholarship, and selfless service.” Saraki recalled their father-and-son relationship, highlighting the Imam’s guidance and moral support during critical moments in his public service.

President Tinubu described the late cleric as “a devoted servant of Allah, a bridge-builder, and a voice of moderation,” praying for Allah to grant him Al‑Jannah Firdaus and to comfort his family and the Muslim Ummah.

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq praised Sheikh Salihu as “the finest breed of Muslim scholarship in the history of Ilorin,” while the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, described his death as “the end of an era.”

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole (SAN), noted that the institution benefited significantly from the late cleric’s weekly sermons, highlighting his influence on education and moral guidance.

Emirate and Community Reactions

The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, expressed profound sorrow, describing Sheikh Salihu as a cleric of exceptional intellect, honesty, loyalty, dedication, and tolerance. He praised the Imam’s role in unifying Muslim scholars and fostering interfaith harmony.

The Janazah (funeral prayer) was performed on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the Palace Square of the Emir of Ilorin, in accordance with Islamic tradition.

Legacy of a Spiritual Icon

Sheikh Salihu’s life reflected piety, loyalty, diligence, and respect for knowledge, earning him respect across Nigeria and beyond. He was not only a spiritual leader but also a teacher, mentor, and father-figure, whose influence strengthened the moral, educational, and religious fabric of Ilorin and the Muslim community at large.

He is survived by family, students, and a broad community of followers who will continue to draw inspiration from his teachings and example.

Amanze Chinonye

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Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.

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Prominent Islamic Scholar, Chief Imam of Ilorin, Dies at 75