20 Facts About the Late Chief Imam of Ilorin,Sheikh Muhammad Bashir

The Ilorin Emirate and the wider Muslim community in Nigeria were thrown into mourning following the death of the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Saliu, a revered Islamic scholar and spiritual leader. Below are 20 key facts about his life, service and legacy:

1. Full Name: His full name was Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Saliu, also written as Soliu in some historical records.
2. Title: He served as the Chief Imam of Ilorin Emirate, one of the most influential Islamic positions in Kwara State.
3. Age at Death: He passed away at the age of 75.
4. Date of Death: The revered cleric died on Monday, January 19, 2026.
5. Place of Birth: He was born in Ilorin, the capital of present-day Kwara State.
6. Family Background: He hailed from a distinguished clerical lineage. His father, Imam Saliu Omo Onida Abdulkadir, was the 7th Chief Imam of Ilorin.
7. Position in History: Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Saliu was the 12th Chief Imam of Ilorin.
8. Year of Appointment: He ascended the throne of the Chief Imam in 1983.
9. Youngest at Ascension: At the time of his appointment, he was regarded as one of the youngest Chief Imams in Ilorin’s history.
10. Length of Reign: He served for over 40 years, making his tenure one of the longest.
11. Record Holder: He is recognised as the longest-serving Chief Imam of Ilorin since 1900.
12. Early Education: He began his Qur’anic education at Magaji Baboko Qur’anic School in Ilorin.
13. Islamic Training: He studied under renowned Islamic scholars, including Shaykh Musa Nuhu Elere.
14. Advanced Studies: In 1974, he graduated from the Al-Mahad Al-Azhar Institute, specialising in Arabic and Islamic studies.
15. Scholarly Reputation: He was widely respected as a learned Islamic jurist and theologian.
16. Religious Leadership: As Chief Imam, he served as the spiritual head of Muslims in the Ilorin Emirate, leading major prayers and religious rites.
17. Ulama Leadership: He was the Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Ulama, coordinating senior Islamic scholars across the state.
18. Peace Advocate: The late cleric was known for promoting peace, unity, tolerance and interfaith harmony.
19. National Honour: He was conferred with the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) in recognition of his service to Islam and society.
20. Enduring Legacy: His life and contributions were documented in a 369-page biography launched in November 2025, underscoring his enduring impact on Islamic scholarship and leadership.