A Tribute to Late Chief Imam of Ilorin:
Shaikh (Dr.) Muhammad Bashir Saliu Al-Imam Al-Fulani, OON (1950–2026)
By: Hon. Comrade Lukman Olukayode Ahmed
Al-Adabiyyi, Al-Malawiyyi
Ilorin Emirates and Muslim Ummah have lost one of the great Imam in the world, a spiritual compass as his Fidau Prayer commence today, Sunday, 4th, Sha’aban 1447 AH, 25th, January, 2026 CE
Rahimaullahu!
With a heart weighed down by grief, I mourn the passing of Shaikh (Dr.) Muhammad Bashir Saliu Al-Imam Al-Fulani, OON—a man whose life was devoted entirely to Allah, to knowledge, and to the service of humanity.
He was not only the Chief Imam of Ilorin; he was its conscience, its voice of reason, and its silent strength.
His sonorous recitation of the Qur’an melted hearts and humbled souls.
When he read the Qur’an, it was not merely recitation—it was remembrance, admonition, and mercy flowing through sound.
Many of us learned not only how to pray, but how to live, simply by watching him.
By divine decree, he served three Emirs of Ilorin, remaining steadfast and loyal through changing generations.
History will eternally remember that he observed Janaazah prayers for two Emirs of Ilorin, in 1992 and 1995, moments that symbolised both farewell and continuity in the spiritual life of the Emirate.
He also led the Janaazah of Shaikh Adam Abdullahi in 1992, sealing his role as a custodian of Ilorin’s sacred transitions.
As a testimony to his spiritual stature, he also observed the Janaazah prayers of two Muftis of Ilorin—Sheikh Muhammad Kamaludeen Al-Adabiyyi, his revered teacher, and Shaikh Apaokagi—as well as that of Shaikh Agbarigidoma.
To bury one’s teacher is no ordinary destiny; it is a rare trust given only to those whose lives reflect sincerity, humility, and steadfastness in faith.
His legacy was not confined to sermons and ceremonies.
He established an Islamic Training School at Egbejila, planting seeds of knowledge that will continue to bear fruit long after him.
Generations of students, scholars, and Imams will rise from that foundation, each standing as a silent testimony to his foresight and devotion.
He was renowned for the annual Ramadhan Tafsiir at the Emir’s Palace, where knowledge met authority and spirituality met governance.
Those Tafsiir sessions were defining moments in Ilorin’s religious calendar—marked by clarity, balance, wisdom, and deep insight.
His words guided rulers and the ruled alike, reminding all that power submits to Allah.
In countless homes across Ilorin, his prayers still linger. For decades, he conducted Walimatul Qur’an for thousands of Ilorin youths, especially during wedding ceremonies—ushering young men and women into married life under the shade of the Qur’an and the blessings of sincere supplication.
Entire generations trace the barakah of their homes to those moments.
Allah honoured him even in this world.
He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in far-away Britain, affirming the global relevance of his scholarship.
In 2012, he was further honoured with the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) by President Goodluck Jonathan GCFR, in recognition of his contributions to faith, peace, and national cohesion.
Yet, despite these honours, he remained humble, gentle, and unassuming—a servant before titles, and a worshipper before accolades.
He received Honorary Doctorate Degree from Belaze University, UK 2013
We was globally recognised for his intelligence, commitments and dedication with unique voice .
As a final and powerful testimony that he was a beloved servant of Allah, the city of Ilorin stood still yesterday.
An overwhelming and tumultuous crowd of believers gathered, united in grief and love, ready to observe his Janaazah prayer.
Then came a sign that spoke without words.
In the peak of the dry season, when rain is least expected, Allah sent down heavy rain upon Ilorin.
From about 10:00 p.m. on Monday, 20th January, until the early hours of Tuesday, 21th January, the rain fell persistently—wetting the earth, cooling the air, and softening hearts.
In Islamic spiritual understanding, rain is mercy. It is purification. It is acceptance.
That rain spoke volumes. It was as though the heavens themselves testified to the life of a man who spent his days in obedience and his nights in devotion.
The rain that fell on Ilorin that night confirmed, in spiritual language, that a true servant of Allah had returned to his Lord.
And today, the vast crowd of believers who eventually prayed his Janaazah stood as yet another undeniable confirmation of his piety.
The Prophet Muhammad SAW taught that when Allah loves a servant, He places love for him in the hearts of people.
The multitude that gathered—old and young, scholars and laymen, rulers and the ruled—bore witness to that divine love.
O Allah! forgive all his shortcomings, accept his service as Ṣadaqatun Jaariyah and grant him Al-Jannatul Fir’daus.
Aamin.
Illuminate his grave, expand it, and make it a garden from the gardens of Paradise.
Join him with the Prophets, the truthful, the martyrs, and the righteous.
Grant patience and comfort to the Emir of Ilorin, Mai Martaba Sarkin Ilorin, Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Zulkarnaini Gambari CFR, the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq CON, the Emirate Council, the Ulamah, his family, and the entire Ilorin community, Kwara State and Nigeria at large.
Alhamdulillah Robbil Aalamin, Allah has received a devoted servant.
Hon. Comrade Lukman Olukayode Ahmed.
Al-Adabiyyi, Al-Malawiyyi
Former SA to Kwara State Governor on Poverty Alleviation and Coordinator Remi Tinubu Support Organization APC-RETSO Kwara State.
25th, January, 2026.
