Chief Imam of Ilorin Sheikh Bashir Soliu is dead

The Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Saliu, has passed away.

The revered Islamic scholar died on Monday, January 19, 2026, at the age of 75.

Born in Ilorin, Kwara State, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Saliu dedicated his life to Islamic scholarship and service to the Ilorin Emirate.

Through years of learning, teaching, and spiritual leadership, he rose to become one of the most influential religious figures in the state.

He was appointed the 12th Chief Imam of the Ilorin Emirate in 1983, a position he held for over four decades.

The cleric was often referred to as Imam Fulani. He was appointed by the former emir of Ilorin, Zuluqarnain Muhammadu Gambari, following the death of Imam Musa Ahmad in 1983.

His father, Imam Saliu Omo Onida Abdulkadir, was the 7th chief Imam of Ilorin Emirate.