Ilorin’s Chief Imam Sheikh Saliu Dies At 75
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Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Saliu, Dies at 75
The Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Saliu, has died at the age of 75.
His death was confirmed on Monday by his Chief Secretary, Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona, who said the revered cleric passed away after decades of devoted service to Islam and the Ilorin Emirate.
Born in 1950 in Ilorin, Kwara State, Sheikh Saliu dedicated his life to Islamic scholarship, teaching, and religious leadership. He was turbaned as the 12th Chief Imam of the Ilorin Emirate in 1983, a position he held for more than four decades.
Throughout his tenure, the late cleric was widely respected for his deep knowledge of Islam, humility, and commitment to peace and unity within the Muslim community and beyond.
Reacting to the passing of the Chief Imam, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, expressed profound sorrow, describing the death as a colossal loss to the Ilorin Emirate, the Muslim Ummah, and humanity at large.
In a condolence message issued by his Press Secretary, Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona, the Emir said the late Sheikh was a man of exceptional character, noted for his intelligence, honesty, loyalty, dedication, and tolerance.
“Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un. It is with total submission to the will of Almighty Allah that we receive the news of the demise of the 12th Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Imam Solih Onida, OON,” the statement read.
“He was full of wisdom and was notable for unifying Muslim clerics and promoting inter-religious harmony in Kwara State. His demise has caused great sadness within the Ilorin Emirate.”
The Emir prayed that Almighty Allah grant the late cleric absolute forgiveness, accept his good deeds, and admit him into Al-Jannatul Firdaus.
According to the statement, the Janazah (funeral prayer) will be held at the Palace Square of the Emir of Ilorin by 4:00 p.m. on Monday, January 19, 2026.
