The Ilorin Emirate and the wider Nigerian Muslim community are in mourning following the death of its spiritual leader, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Soliu. The Chief Imam passed away in the early hours of Monday, 19 January 2026, at the age of 75.
A Life of Scholarship and Service Ends
Sheikh Soliu died in a hospital in Abuja after a brief illness. Born in 1950 in Ilorin, he ascended to the position of the 12th Chief Imam of the Ilorin Emirate in 1983. For over four decades, he served from the Minbar (pulpit), guiding the faithful with his profound knowledge and sonorous voice. He also held the esteemed position of Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Ulamas, Alfas, and Imams.
His tenure was marked by a consistent advocacy for peace, discipline, and communal harmony. Through his sermons, he strengthened Ilorin's historic reputation as a centre for Islamic theology, jurisprudence, and intellectual excellence.
Nation Mourns a Spiritual Giant
Prominent figures across Nigeria have expressed profound grief at his passing. Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, described the late Imam as an institution and a moral compass. In a statement, Saraki highlighted the scholar's selfless service, noting that his influence transcended Ilorin and Kwara State.
"The late Chief Imam served diligently as the spiritual head of Ilorin... guiding generations with wisdom, clarity, and uncommon humility," Saraki stated. He also recalled a personal father-and-son relationship with Sheikh Soliu, cherishing his prayers and counsel during critical moments.
The Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, confirmed the death, declaring it "a colossal loss to the Ilorin Emirate, the entire Muslim Ummah, and humanity in general." The monarch praised the late cleric's unique features, intelligence, and his notable role in unifying Muslim clerics and promoting inter-religious harmony in Kwara State.
Final Rites and Enduring Legacy
The Janazah (funeral prayer) for the revered Imam was held at the Palace Square on Monday at 4:00 pm. Both the Emir and Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central, urged the community to pay their final respects. They prayed for Almighty Allah to grant the deceased Al-Jannatul Firdaus (the highest paradise).
Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Soliu's legacy is that of a towering spiritual leader, an accomplished scholar, and a symbol of faith and moderation. He was widely respected as a teacher, mentor, and father-figure whose leadership fostered unity and strengthened the bond between the traditional institution and the Islamic community. His passing marks the end of a significant chapter in Ilorin's rich Islamic history.
