The Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Saliu, has passed away at the age of 75, marking the end of an era in Islamic leadership within the Ilorin Emirate.
His death was confirmed on Monday by his Chief Secretary, Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona, who said the revered cleric died after decades of devoted service to Islam and the Ilorin Emirate.
Born in 1950 in Ilorin, Kwara State, Sheikh Saliu dedicated his life to Islamic scholarship, teaching, and spiritual leadership.
He became the 12th Chief Imam of the Ilorin Emirate in 1983, a position he held with distinction for over 40 years, earning widespread respect for his wisdom, humility, and commitment to peaceful coexistence.
Emir of Ilorin Mourns
The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has expressed profound grief over the passing of the Chief Imam, describing it as a monumental loss to the Ilorin Emirate, the Muslim Ummah, and humanity at large.
In a condolence message issued through his Press Secretary, Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona, the Emir said the late cleric’s life was marked by exemplary leadership, integrity, and devotion to faith.
“Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un. It is with total submission to the will of Almighty Allah that we announce the passing of the 12th Chief Imam of Ilorin, Shaykh Muhammad Bashir Imam Solih Onida, OON,” the Emir said.
“He was a cleric of exceptional intellect, honesty, loyalty, dedication, and tolerance. His demise has plunged the Ilorin Emirate into immeasurable sorrow. We reflect on his life as one of honour, piety, and selfless service.”
The Emir noted that the late Chief Imam was widely admired for his wisdom and his role in uniting Muslim clerics across the state, while also promoting interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence among adherents of different religions.
According to the palace, the Janazah (funeral prayer) will be held at the Palace Square of the Emir of Ilorin at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, January 19, 2026.
Sulu-Gambari prayed that Almighty Allah grant the late Sheikh absolute forgiveness, accept his good deeds, and admit him into Al-Jannatul Firdaus.
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