Alhaji Abdulmalik Zibiri, the chief imam of Iyekhei in the Auchi Sacred Kingdom of Edo state, Nigeria, has passed away. The prominent Islamic scholar, widely known as Mallam Megida, died on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, and was buried the same day in accordance with Islamic rites.
Family Announces Death of Chief Imam
Zibiri's family released an official statement announcing the loss, citing the Qur'anic verse: "Every soul will taste death. Then to Us you will be returned" (Qur'an 29:57). The family described the cleric's death as a moment of "profound sorrow" while expressing total submission to the will of Allah.
The statement read: "It is with profound sorrow and total submission to the will of Allah that we announce the passing of Alhaji Abdulmalik Zibiri (Mallam Megida), the Chief Imam of Iyekhei, Auchi Sacred Kingdom, who returned to his Creator."
The family asked for God's mercy on the late imam, praying that his shortcomings be forgiven and his good deeds accepted. The statement concluded: "We pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) forgives his shortcomings, accepts his good deeds, grants him Al-Jannatul Firdaus, expands and illuminates his grave and grant his family, the Muslim Ummah and the people of Iyekhei the strength and patience to bear this great loss."
Shonga Chief Imam Also Dies
In a separate development, Alhaji Jibril Baba Nnatakun, chief imam of Shonga, died on Thursday, July 9, 2026. Shonga is a historic Nupe community in Edu local government area of Kwara state, situated along the River Niger. The news of his death drew reactions from Muslim faithful and community leaders, including Mohammed Baba Ibrahim (MBI), a prominent political figure in Kwara North. Through his media team, MBI issued a formal condolence message addressed to the Emir of Shonga, Alhaji Haliru Yahaya Ndanusa, the Shonga Descendants Development Union (SHEDDU), and the broader Shonga Emirate. MBI described Nnatakun as a devoted Islamic scholar and spiritual leader whose service to the community spanned several decades, noting that his humility, wisdom, and dedication to spreading Islamic teachings earned him deep respect.
Sheikh Tijani Gbajabiamila Also Dies
Earlier, the death of Sheikh Imam Tijani Olubodun Gbajabiamila, the Olori Ratibi of Lagos, was reported. Sheikh Gbajabiamila passed away at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH). His son, Ibikunle Lateef, broke the news on Facebook. The late Sheikh was buried on the day of his death at Iponri Central Mosque in accordance with Islamic burial rites.
