Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Soliu, the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Kwara State Capital, who died on Monday, has left many residents to mourn.
The revered Islamic scholar passed away in Abuja at the age of 75.
Born in Ilorin, Kwara State, the late cleric 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 occupied for over four decades following his appointment in 1983.
Throughout his long tenure, Imam Soliu was widely respected for his deep knowledge of Islamic teachings, firm leadership in religious affairs, and consistent advocacy for peace, unity, and religious tolerance among Muslims and adherents of other faiths.
Reacting to his death, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Mai-Martaba Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the Chief Imam.
In a condolence message issued by his Press Secretary, Abdulazeez Arowona, the Emir described the death as a colossal loss to the Ilorin Emirate, the Muslim Ummah, and humanity at large.
“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. It is with total submission to the will of Almighty Allah that we receive the news of the demise of the 12th Chief Imam of Ilorin, Shaykh Muhammad Bashir Imam Solih, OON,” the Emir said.
“He was a cleric of rare virtues—intelligent, honest, loyal, dedicated, and tolerant. His demise has brought immeasurable sadness to the Ilorin Emirate. We remember him as a man of honour, piety, and wisdom.
“Late Imam Solih was notable for uniting Muslim clerics and for promoting inter-religious harmony across the state.”
The Emir prayed Almighty Allah to grant the late scholar absolute forgiveness, accept his good deeds, and admit him into Al-Jannatul Firdaus.
Similarly, Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, in a statement personally issued to the press, described the death as a huge loss.
“I am deeply saddened by the death of the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Imam Solih (OON). His passing is shocking, depressing, and a reminder that even great men must return to their Creator.
“He will be greatly missed for his outstanding scholarship, patience, humility, and exemplary leadership as the foremost Imam in our state.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Mai-Martaba Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, OFR, the entire Ilorin Emirate, the Kwara State Council of Ulamah, and the immediate family of the late Chief Imam.
“I pray Allah to accept Imam Muhammad Bashir as His dutiful servant, forgive his shortcomings, ease his reckoning, elevate his rank in Al-Jannatul Firdaus, and uphold his family and community upon goodness. Ameen,” the Governor said.
