Breaking: Ilorin Chief Imam, Sheikh Saliu, is Dead, Tributes Flood in
- Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Saliu, Chief Imam of Ilorin, has passed away, aged 75
- Renowned for four decades of Islamic scholarship, Sheikh Saliu advocated for peace and tolerance
- The cleric's death has prompted heartfelt tributes and mourning across Kwara State and Nigeria
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering metro.
Ilorin, Kwara State - Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Saliu, the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Kwara State, is dead.
Legit.ng reports that the death of the revered Islamic scholar was confirmed on Monday, January 19, 2026.
Source: Facebook
Ilorin Chief Imam, Sheikh Saliu, dies
Legit.ng reports that the revered religious leader died at the age of 75.
Mallam Bolaji Moruf, a source from the Kuranga family, a clan strongly associated with Ilorin, confirmed Sheikh Saliu’s death to Legit.ng.
Moruf added that the atmosphere around the late imam’s Ilorin residence is sombre.
In the same vein, Ilorin-based radio, Emirate 98.5 FM, confirmed Sheikh Saliu's exit.
Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Saliu's profile
Born in 1950 in Ilorin, Kwara, Sheikh Saliu rose through decades of dedicated Islamic scholarship and service to become one of the most influential religious leaders in the state.
He served as the 12th Chief Imam of the Ilorin Emirate, a position he held for more than four decades following his appointment in 1983.
Throughout his long tenure, the late Chief Imam was widely respected for his knowledge of Islamic teachings, leadership in religious affairs, and advocacy for peace, unity, and religious tolerance among Muslims and the wider society.
Source: Facebook
Tributes for Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Saliu
Sheikh Saliu's sad demise ignited an outpouring of tributes from several Muslims in Kwara State and across Nigeria.
Legit.ng captured some comments from Facebook and X below:
AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef, a former commissioner for home affairs in Lagos State, wrote:
"May Allah forgive our father and grant him Aljannah fridaus. Aameen."
Mheester Anifowoshe wrote:
"After a brief illness, he was announced dead.
"The passing of the Chief Imam of Ilorin is heartbreaking and difficult to accept. When news like this breaks, it throws everyone into confusion. It is unfortunate that no one can challenge this decision or question the Sole Final Decision-Maker. May Allah forgive him and grant him eternal peace."
Karamo Sheu Baye Inyass commented:
"Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'oon. What a great loss in Islam and Ilorin, Kwara state, in general. May Allah grant him Al Jannah."
"End of an era. One of our prides in Kwara. Good night Imam Soliu Basheer. Chief Imam of Ilorin and its environs."
"The respected Islamic scholar died after decades of service to Islam and the Ilorin Emirate. May Allah forgive his shortcomings and admit him into Jannah. Amin."
"An era has come to an end."
"And Allah will not respite a soul when its appointed term has come" Q63:11.
"May Allah forgive and grant the Chief Imam of Ilorin aljanat. Rest on Imam Bashir Soliu (OON)."
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Tinubu mourns Bature Abdulaziz
Legit.ng earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu expressed grief over the death of renowned businessman and leader of the business community in Kano, Bature Abdulaziz.
According to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, the presidential spokesperson, Tinubu described Abdulaziz's death as a loss felt beyond the Kano business community but across many parts of Nigeria in view of the deceased's influence on commerce.
Source: Legit.ng
