Chief Imam Of Ilorin Is Dead, As Emir of Ilorin Announces Burial Rites

Chief Imam of Ilorin has been confirmed dead.

NewsRain Nigeria reports that the Chief Imam of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara Council of Ulama, Sheikh Bashir Solihu, is dead.

He died at the age of 75.

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The Chairman of the Islamic Missionaries Association (IMAN), Sheikh Abdullahi Nurudeen-Adana, confirmed the demise of the Chief Imam in Ilorin on Monday.

Nurudeen-Adana, who spoke with NAN at the Palace of the Emir of Ilorin, said the late Chief Imam died during an undisclosed illness.

According to him, Solihu rose through years of dedicated Islamic scholarship and service to become one of the most influential religious leaders in Kwara.

He served as the 12th Chief Imam of the Ilorin Emirate, a position he held for over four decades, following his appointment in 1983.

“Throughout his long tenure, the late Chief Imam was widely known for his deep understanding of Islamic teachings, firm leadership in religious affairs, and consistent advocacy for peace, unity, and religious tolerance among Muslims and the wider society,” he said.

The IMAN chairman described the death of the Chief Imam as shocking and an unmitigated disaster.

He condoled the Emir of Ilorin, members of the Kwara Council of Ulama, and citizens of the Ilorin Emirate.

Meanwhile, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Mai-Martaba Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Shaykh (Dr) Muhammad Bashir Imam Solih.

The monarch conveyed his condolences in a statement on Monday by his Press Secretary, Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona, describing the cleric’s death as a monumental loss to the Ilorin Emirate, the Muslim Ummah, and humanity at large.

Reacting to the sad development, the Emir said the news was received with total submission to the will of Allah.

“Inna lillahi waina ilaehi roji’un, it is with total submission to the will of Almighty Allah that we receive the news of the demise of the 12th Chief of Ilorin, Shaykh Muhammad Bashir Imam Solih Onida OON,” he stated.

He further paid tribute to the late religious leader, highlighting his exceptional character and lifelong service to Islam and society.

“He was a cleric with unique features, intelligence, honesty, loyalty, dedication and tolerance. His demise has caused us in Ilorin Emirate great sadness of no particular measure. We reflect on his lifetime as a man of great of honour and piety,” the Emir said.

Alhaji Sulu-Gambari also praised the late Chief Imam for his unifying role among Islamic scholars and his commitment to peaceful coexistence.

“Late Imam Solih was full of wisdom, and he was notable for unifying the entire Muslim clerics as well as promoting inter-religious harmony in the state,” he added.

The Emir announced that funeral prayers for the deceased would be held later on Monday.

“The Janazah will hold at the Palace Square of the Emir of Ilorin by 4 pm today, Monday 19th January 2026,” the statement said.

He prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive the late cleric, accept his good deeds, and grant him eternal rest.

Alhaji Sulu-Gambari also extended condolences to the family of the deceased and the entire Ilorin community, urging all to take solace in the exemplary life lived by the late Chief Imam.