The Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Saliu, has passed away at the age of 75. His death was confirmed on Monday by his Chief Secretary, Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona.
Sheikh Saliu, a highly respected Islamic scholar, died after decades of devoted service to Islam and the Ilorin Emirate. Born in 1950 in Ilorin, Kwara State, he dedicated his life to religious scholarship and leadership. He became the 12th Chief Imam of the Ilorin Emirate in 1983 and served in that capacity for over 40 years.
Emir of Ilorin Mourns
The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has expressed deep sorrow over the cleric’s demise. In a condolence message issued through his Press Secretary, Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona, the Emir described Sheikh Saliu’s death as a colossal loss to the Ilorin Emirate, the Muslim Ummah, and humanity at large.
The Emir praised the late Chief Imam for his intelligence, honesty, dedication, tolerance, and wisdom, noting his significant role in uniting Muslim clerics and promoting interfaith harmony in Kwara State.
According to the Emir, the Janazah (funeral prayer) will be held at the Palace Square of the Emir of Ilorin at 4:00 pm on Monday, January 19, 2026. He prayed for Almighty Allah to forgive the late cleric, accept his good deeds, and grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus.
