Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Saliu, the chief imam of Ilorin, passed away at the age of 75.
Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona, the cleric’s chief secretary, confirmed his death on Monday.
The renowned Islamic scholar, according to him, passed away after a long career in the Ilorin Emirate and Islam.
Saliu dedicated his life to Islamic education and religious leadership at the age of 50 in Ilorin, Kwara State. He served for more than 40 years before becoming the 12th Chief Imam of the Ilorin Emirate in 1983.
Emir of Ilorin mourns
Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, the head of the Chief Imam of Ilorin and the head of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, expressed his deep regret over his death.
The death of the cleric was described as a colossal loss to the Ilorin Emirate, the entire Muslim Ummah, and humanity in general, by Sulu-Gambari in a condolence message sent by his Press Secretary, Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona.
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The news of the passing of Shaykh Muhammad Bashir Imam Solih Onida OON, the 12th Chief of Ilorin, is reported in “inna lillahi waina ilaehi roji’un” with complete submission to Almighty Allah.
He had “a unique personality, intelligence, honesty, loyalty, dedication, and tolerance.” We feel a great deal of sadness in Ilorin Emirate because of his death. He was a man of great honor and piety, and we reflect on his life.
“Late Imam Solih was a wise man who united the entire Muslim cleric community and promoted interreligious harmony in the state.
By 4 p.m. on January 19, 2026, the Janazah will be held at the Emir of Ilorin’s Palace Square.
Source: Channels TV
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