Sheikh Bashir Soliu, the Chief Imam of the Ilorin Emirate in Kwara State, has died, throwing the emirate and the wider Muslim community into mourning.
It was reported that the revered Islamic scholar and spiritual leader passed away on Monday. As of the time of filing this report, details surrounding the circumstances of his death remained unclear, though credible sources confirmed the development.
Born in Ilorin, Sheikh Soliu dedicated his life to Islamic learning, teaching and religious leadership, rising to become one of the most influential Islamic figures in Kwara State. He served as the 12th Chief Imam of the Ilorin Emirate, a position he held for more than four decades following his appointment in 1983.
Widely respected for his deep knowledge of Islamic jurisprudence, Sheikh Soliu was known for his firm but compassionate leadership and his consistent advocacy for peace, unity and religious tolerance, both within the Muslim community and across society at large.
Popularly referred to as Imam Fulani, he was appointed Chief Imam by the late Emir of Ilorin, Zuluqarnain Muhammadu Gambari, following the death of Imam Musa Ahmad in 1983.
Sheikh Soliu also came from a distinguished lineage of Islamic scholars. His father, Imam Saliu Omo Onida Abdulkadir, served as the 7th Chief Imam of the Ilorin Emirate.
Tributes are expected to pour in from religious leaders, traditional institutions and members of the public in honour of his decades of service and spiritual guidance.
