ILORIN was enveloped in grief today as thousands of mourners gathered at the forecourt of the Emir of Ilorin’s palace for the burial of the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Saliu.
From the early hours of the day, Muslim faithful, Islamic scholars, traditional rulers and political leaders converged on the palace to pay their last respects to the revered cleric, whose influence spanned generations within and beyond the Ilorin Emirate.
The janazah prayer, which began at about 10:00 a.m., was led by the Imam Imale of Ilorin, Sheikh Abdullahi Abdulhameed.
In his sermon, he prayed for the continued peace and unity of the emirate and urged the people to reflect on the late cleric’s life of devotion, service and spirituality.
The large turnout overwhelmed the palace forecourt, forcing security operatives to struggle with crowd control.
Owing to safety concerns, the funeral prayer was conducted with the remains of the deceased kept inside the ambulance that conveyed the body to the venue.
To ease movement, another gate was later opened as the body was taken toward Egbejila, where the late cleric’s Arabic school and residence are located. He was eventually laid to rest at the site.
Many residents described the atmosphere as similar to that of Eid prayers or an Ilorin Emirate durbar, with mourners climbing structures within the palace grounds just to glimpse the funeral rites.
Sources at the palace disclosed that Sheikh Saliu was a close confidant of the Emir of Ilorin, adding that the monarch was deeply affected by the news of his death.
The burial ceremony attracted several dignitaries, including representatives of the Kwara State government, former Senate President Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, Senator Saliu Mustapha, former PDP National Secretary Alhaji Kawu Baraje, and other political leaders.
Also present were prominent Islamic scholars and traditional rulers from across the country, among them the Grand Mufti of Ilorin, Sheikh Faruq Onikijipa, and clerics from Offa, Ogbomosho, Abuja and other parts of Nigeria.
At Egbejila, a large crowd witnessed the final interment as prayers were offered for the repose of his soul.
Grief was evident as mourners openly wept, mourning the loss of a spiritual guide, teacher and community leader.
Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Saliu, who died yesterday at the age of 75, was widely respected for his humility, depth of Islamic knowledge and unwavering commitment to peace and unity within the Ilorin Emirate and the wider Muslim community.