BREAKING: Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Soliu, Chief Imam of Ilorin Emirate, Passes Away at 75

The Ilorin Emirate and the entire Muslim community in Kwara State and beyond are in deep mourning following the passing of the revered Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Soliu, popularly known as Imam Fulani.

The distinguished Islamic scholar and spiritual leader reportedly died on Monday, January 19, 2026, at the age of 75. His demise was confirmed by credible sources and widely reported across major Nigerian media outlets.

Born in 1950 in Ilorin, Kwara State, Sheikh Soliu came from a lineage of Islamic leadership. His father, Imam Saliu Omo Onida Abdulkadir, served as the 7th Chief Imam of the Ilorin Emirate. Following in those footsteps, Sheikh Soliu rose through decades of dedicated learning, teaching, and service to become one of the most respected figures in Islamic jurisprudence in the region.

He was appointed as the 12th Chief Imam of the Ilorin Emirate in 1983 by the late Emir Zuluqarnain Muhammadu Gambari, succeeding Imam Musa Ahmad. Over the past more than 40 years, he provided steadfast leadership, guiding the Muslim community with wisdom, piety, and a strong emphasis on peace, unity, and religious tolerance—not only among Muslims but across the broader society.

Known for his profound knowledge of Islamic teachings and his unwavering commitment to harmonious coexistence, Sheikh Soliu earned widespread admiration as a bridge-builder and a voice of moderation. He also held the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) in recognition of his contributions.

The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, expressed profound sorrow over the loss, describing the late Chief Imam as a man of great honour and piety who played a unifying role in the community. Funeral arrangements, including Janazah rites, have been announced by the Emirate.

NaijaChoice News extends heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, the Ilorin Emirate Council, the Kwara State Council of Ulama, and the Muslim Ummah at large. May Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings, grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus, and comfort all those mourning his departure.

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.