ILORIN LOSES A TOWERING SPIRITUAL ICON AS GRAND CHIEF IMAM OF OYO LAND MOURNS LATE CHIEF IMAM
The Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Sheikh Al-Imam Barrister Bilal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu, has received with deep sorrow the news of the passing of the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Late Shaykh (Dr) Muhammad Bashir Imam Solih, OON, who returned to Allah on Monday, 19th January 2026, after a brief illness.
On behalf of the Muslim Ummah in Oyo Land, the Grand Chief Imam extends heartfelt condolences to His Excellency, 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 the entire Muslim community in Ilorin and across Kwara State.
The late Chief Imam of Ilorin was a distinguished Islamic scholar, an exceptional orator, and a spiritual leader of rare depth, whose voice and wisdom resonated far beyond the frontiers of Ilorin. Appointed during the reign of the 9th Emir of Ilorin, the late Shehu Zuluqarnaini Gambari Mohammed, he rose to become the 12th Chief Imam of Ilorin and served the Ummah faithfully for over four decades, offering steadfast guidance under three successive Emirs.
Throughout his long and impactful reign, the late Imam was widely celebrated for his intellectual brilliance, deep commitment to Islamic principles, and unwavering dedication to the spiritual and moral advancement of society. His global recognition, national honours, and academic accolades were clear testimonies to a life devoted to knowledge, service, and excellence in religious leadership.
The Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land notes that the demise of Shaykh (Dr) Muhammad Bashir Imam Solih, OON, marks the end of a remarkable era in the religious history of Ilorin. His legacy of moderation, eloquence, humility, and principled leadership will continue to inspire generations of scholars, clerics, and the wider Muslim community.
While mourning this monumental loss, the Grand Chief Imam urges the 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 prays 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.
