The Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Saliu, has died at the age of 75.
The cleric’s death was confirmed by his Chief Secretary, Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona on Monday, January 19, 2026,
Arowona said the renowned Islamic scholar died after many years of devoted service to Islam and the Ilorin Emirate.
Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Saliu was born in 1950 in Ilorin, Kwara State.
He committed his life to religious learning and leadership and was appointed the 12th Chief Imam of the Ilorin Emirate in 1983. He held the position for more than four decades.
The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, expressed deep sorrow over the cleric’s death.
In a condolence message issued through his Press Secretary, Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona, the Emir described the loss as a major blow to the Ilorin Emirate, the Muslim community, and society at large.
“Inna lillahi waina ilaehi roji’un, it is with total submission to the will of Almighty Allah that we receive the news of the demise of the 12th Chief of Ilorin, Shaykh Muhammad Bashir Imam Solih Onida OON.
“He was a cleric with unique features, intelligence, honesty, loyalty, dedication, and tolerance.
“His demise has caused us in Ilorin Emirate great sadness of no particular measure. We reflect on his lifetime as a man of great of honour and piety.
“Late Imam Solih was full of wisdom, and he was notable for unifying the entire Muslim clerics as well as promoting inter-religious harmony in the state.
“The Janazah will hold at the Palace Square of the Emir of Ilorin by 4 pm today, Monday, 19th January 2026,” Sulu-Gambari said.
He also prayed for Allah’s forgiveness for the late cleric and asked that his good deeds be accepted and rewarded with Al-Jannatul Firdaus.
KanyiDaily also reported that Yakubu Mohammed, a veteran journalist and co-founder of Newswatch magazine, died at the age of 75.