The Grand Imam of Ilorin, Muhammad Bashir Imam Solih OON reportedly died in the early hours of Monday, January 19 at the age of 75.
The tragic development was made known by the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR via a statement issued by his spokesman, Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona.
Sulu-Gambari described the death as a monumental loss to the Ilorin Emirate, the Muslim Ummah and humanity at large.
Many Islamic scholars have described the late Chief Imam as a man of intelligence, honesty, dedication, and religious tolerance.
His funeral prayer, Janazah, will he held at the Palace Square of the Emir of Ilorin at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, January 19, 2026.
Prominent Nigerians including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have described the late Imam as a devoted servant of Allah, a bridge-builder, and a voice of moderation.
15 things you probably did not know about the late Grand Imam of Ilorin, Muhammad Bashir
He was born in 1950
He began his Quranic education at Magaji Baboko Quranic School
He later attended Shaykh Abubakar Sakama school from 1963 to 1965
He also spent seven years under the tutelage of Shaykh Musa Nuhu Elere
He graduated from Al-Mahad Al-Azhar Institute in 1974, specializing in Arabic and Islamic Sciences
He became the Grand Imam of Ilorin at the age of 33
He was the youngest person to hold the position of Grand Imam of Ilorin
He was appointed by the 9th Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Zuluqarnaini Gambari Mohammed and served under three Emirs before his demise.
He served as the 12th Chief Imam of Ilorin for over four decades
He was a revered Islamic scholar and spiritual leader
He led the annual Ramadan Tefsir in Ilorin and even conducted the Eid El Adha prayer virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic
He received several honors, including an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Belaze University, UK, in 2013
He received the National Award of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) in 2012
He reigned for 43 years on the seat Imamship 1983 to 2026
He died on Monday 19th January 2026 after a brief illness
