* Kwara Gov, Emir of Ilorin mourn; sons and daughters of Ilorin to converge at Palace Square for Janazah on Tuesday
An end of an era was marked on Monday as Kwara State Governor, Mal. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, announced the death of the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Salihu (OON), describing his passing as a profound loss to Kwara State, the Ilorin Emirate and the wider Muslim Ummah.
The revered Islamic scholar died on Monday morning at the age of 75, in total submission to the will of Allah.
In a condolence message issued on January 19, 2026, Gov. AbdulRazaq described the late renowned Muslim scholar as one of the finest products of Islamic scholarship in Ilorin’s history, whose life was defined by deep knowledge, humility, patience and exemplary character.
“His passing, shocking, depressing and saddening as it is, reminds us that even great men die,” the Governor said, adding that Sheikh Salihu would be greatly missed for his calm disposition, outstanding scholarship and steady leadership as the spiritual head of Muslims in Kwara State.
The Governor extended his condolences to the Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari (CFR), the Ilorin Emirate, the Kwara State Council of Ulama, and the immediate family of the deceased, praying Allah to forgive his shortcomings, elevate his rank and grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus.
‘He was a scholar of intelligence, honesty and dedication’: Emir
Following the Governor’s message, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari (CFR), also mourned the passing of the Chief Imam in a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona.
The Emir said the Ilorin Emirate received the news with total submission to the will of Almighty Allah, describing the death of Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Salihu (OON) as a deeply painful loss.
“He was a scholar with unique features — intelligence, honesty, loyalty, dedication and tolerance. His demise has caused us in Ilorin Emirate great sadness beyond measure,” the Emir said.
According to the monarch, the late Chief Imam played a remarkable role in unifying Muslim scholars in Kwara State and promoting peace, tolerance and inter-religious harmony.
He described him as a man of wisdom whose leadership sustained unity and stability within the Ilorin Emirate for decades.
Janazah prayer shifted to Tuesday
Muslim News gathered that the Janazah prayer for the late Chief Imam, initially scheduled for Monday, has been shifted to Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the Palace Square of the Emir of Ilorin due to the late arrival of the remains.
Sons, daughters and friends of the Ilorin Emirate have been enjoined to converge at the Palace to join His Royal Majesty, the Maimartaba, in paying their final respects to the revered and beloved Chief Imam.
Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Salihu, the 12th Chief Imam of Ilorin, served in the position for over 40 years, having been turbaned in 1983. He was also Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Ulama, Alfas and Imams.
His death closes a historic chapter in Ilorin’s Islamic leadership, ending a long era marked by scholarship, moral authority, peace advocacy and unwavering commitment to the unity of the Ummah.
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