MASSIVE CROWDS FLOCK TO EMIR OF ILORIN’S PALACE TO FAREWELL LATE CHIEF IMAM, SHEIKH DR MOHAMMED BASHIR SOLIHU

Large crowds gathered at the palace of the Emir of Ilorin on Monday to pay their final respects to the late Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Dr Mohammed Bashir Solihu, who passed away the same day at the age of 75.

The Janazah prayer, held at the Emir’s palace, drew scholars, traditional rulers, political leaders, and thousands of mourners from across the Ilorin Emirate and beyond. Among those in attendance were the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, and former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki.

Sheikh Solihu, the 12th Chief Imam of Ilorin, served the emirate for over four decades after his appointment in 1983. Throughout his long and distinguished tenure, he was widely respected for his wisdom, intellectual depth, and unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and interfaith harmony. His leadership earned him admiration across religious and cultural lines.

Speaking at the funeral, the Emir of Ilorin described the late Chief Imam as a man of exceptional piety and honour, noting that his passing represents a monumental loss not only to the Ilorin Emirate, but to the Muslim Ummah and humanity as a whole.

Born in 1950, Sheikh Solihu began his Islamic education at the Magaji Baboko Quranic School before furthering his studies at the Shaykh Abubakar Sakama School. His lifelong dedication to Islamic scholarship and community service earned him numerous recognitions, including an Honorary Doctorate Degree awarded by Belaze University, United Kingdom, in 2013.

Sheikh Dr Mohammed Bashir Solihu leaves behind a legacy of faith, scholarship, tolerance, and service that will continue to inspire generations within and beyond Ilorin.

May Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his lifelong service to Islam, and grant him Al-Jannah Al-Firdaus. Ameen.