By Olamilekan Abayomi
The Ilorin Emirate is mourning the loss of its revered Chief Imam, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Imam Solih OON, who passed away on Monday at the age of 75. The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, described the late cleric as a man of wisdom, honesty, and dedication, whose passing has left a deep void in the emirate.
Sheikh Solih was a prominent Islamic scholar and spiritual leader who served as the 12th Chief Imam of Ilorin for over four decades, having been appointed in 1983. He was widely respected for his profound knowledge of Islamic teachings, firm leadership, and consistent advocacy for peace, unity, and religious tolerance among Muslims and the wider society.
The late Chief Imam was born in Ilorin, Kwara State, and devoted his life to Islamic scholarship, teaching, and spiritual service. He was a recipient of the national honor of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) and played a central role in shaping the religious life of Ilorin.
Thousands of Muslim faithful converged on the forecourt of the palace of the Emir of Ilorin for the final burial rites, with the funeral prayer led by the Imam Imale of Ilorin, Sheikh Abdullahi Abdulhameed. Islamic scholars, traditional rulers, and dignitaries from different walks of life extolled the virtues of the late Chief Imam, describing him as a deeply grounded Islamic scholar whose impact transcended the Ilorin Emirate .
Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the Chief Imam, describing him as a towering spiritual leader whose life was defined by scholarship, devotion to Allah, and selfless service to the Ummah. The Kwara State Governor, Mal. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, also mourned the loss, describing Sheikh Solih as one of the finest products of Islamic scholarship in Ilorin’s history.
The late Chief Imam’s legacy includes his role in promoting interfaith harmony and his commitment to education. He was a respected educationist, school proprietor, and community leader who championed learning, moral discipline, and peaceful coexistence.
The Ilorin Emirate Council has announced the Janazah prayer, which was initially scheduled for Monday, has been shifted to Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the Palace Square of the Emir of Ilorin.
