Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Saliu, the revered Chief Imam of Ilorin, has passed away at the age of 75, marking the end of an era in Islamic leadership in Kwara State.
Born in Ilorin in 1950, Sheikh Saliu devoted his life to Islamic scholarship, guidance, and community service. He was appointed the 12th Chief Imam of the Ilorin Emirate in 1983 and served in that capacity for more than four decades.
Throughout his long tenure, the late cleric was widely respected for his deep knowledge of Islamic jurisprudence, calm disposition, and principled leadership. He consistently used his position to promote peace, unity, and religious tolerance—both within the Muslim community and across faith lines.
Community leaders and worshippers recall him as a bridge-builder whose sermons emphasised moral discipline, coexistence, and social harmony. His influence extended beyond the mosque, shaping interfaith relations and fostering stability in Ilorin and its environs.
Further details regarding burial arrangements are expected to be announced by the Ilorin Emirate and family sources.
