Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land Pays Tribute to Late Ilorin Chief Imam

Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, has been thrown into deep mourning following the death of the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Shaykh (Dr) Muhammad Bashir Imam Solih, OON, a revered Islamic scholar and spiritual leader, who passed away on Monday, 19th January 2026, after a brief illness.

The Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Sheikh Al-Imam Barrister Bilal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu, has described the late cleric as a towering spiritual icon whose demise marks the end of a significant era in the religious history of Ilorin and the wider Muslim Ummah in Nigeria.

In a press release issued on Monday, the Grand Chief Imam expressed profound sorrow over the passing of the late Chief Imam, noting that his life was wholly devoted to the service of Islam, scholarship, and moral guidance.

On behalf of the Muslim Ummah in Oyo Land, Sheikh Akeugberu extended heartfelt condolences to the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Chiefs, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, the Ilorin Emirate, the immediate family of the deceased, and Muslims across Ilorin and Kwara State.

The late Shaykh Muhammad Bashir Imam Solih was described as a distinguished Islamic scholar, an exceptional orator, and a spiritual leader of rare depth whose influence transcended Ilorin. He was appointed Chief Imam during the reign of the 9th Emir of Ilorin, Shehu Zuluqarnaini Gambari Mohammed, and later emerged as the 12th Chief Imam of Ilorin, serving faithfully for over four decades under three successive Emirs.

According to the statement, the late cleric was widely celebrated for his intellectual brilliance, unwavering commitment to Islamic principles, and dedication to the spiritual and moral upliftment of society. His global recognition, national honour (OON), and numerous academic accolades were cited as clear testimonies to a life devoted to knowledge, service, and excellence in religious leadership.

“The demise of Shaykh (Dr) Muhammad Bashir Imam Solih, OON, marks the end of a remarkable era in Ilorin’s religious history. His legacy of moderation, eloquence, humility, and principled leadership will continue to inspire generations of scholars, clerics, and the wider Muslim community,” the Grand Chief Imam stated.

While mourning the monumental loss, Sheikh Akeugberu urged the Muslim Ummah to take solace in the enduring impact of the late Imam’s life of service and to remain steadfast in unity, peace, and devotion to Allah.

He also prayed that Allah (SWT) forgives the shortcomings of the deceased, accepts his numerous good deeds, grants him Al-Jannatul Firdaus, and comforts the government and people of Kwara State, the Ilorin Emirate, and the entire Muslim Ummah.

The passing of the Chief Imam of Ilorin has continued to attract tributes from religious leaders, scholars, and Muslims across Nigeria and beyond, all acknowledging his immense contributions to Islamic scholarship and spiritual leadership.