Ilorin Chief Imam, Sheikh Saliu, Dies At 75

The Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Saliu, is dead.

It was gathered that he died on Monday in Abuja at the age of 75 after a brief illness.

The death of the revered Islamic scholar was confirmed in a statement issued by the spokesman of the Emir of Ilorin, Abdulazeez Arowona.

According to the statement, details of his burial arrangements will be announced later.

Born in Ilorin, Kwara State, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Saliu dedicated his life to Islamic scholarship and service to the Ilorin Emirate.

He became the Chief Imam of Ilorin in October 1983 at the age of 33 and went on to serve in the revered position for over four decades.

Appointed as the 12th Chief Imam of the Ilorin Emirate, he rose through years of learning, teaching and spiritual leadership to become one of the most influential religious figures in Kwara State.

Throughout his long tenure, the late Chief Imam was widely respected for his deep knowledge of Islamic teachings, firm leadership in religious affairs and consistent advocacy for peace, unity and religious tolerance among Muslims and the wider society.

He was also renowned for his distinctive voice in Qur’anic recitation and for mentoring a new generation of scholars, leaving behind successors to continue his legacy in the field.