Ilorin Loses Renowned Spiritual Leader as Oyo Grand Chief Imam Mourns Late Chief Imam

The Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Sheikh Al-Imam Barrister Bilal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Shaykh (Dr) Muhammad Bashir Imam Solih, OON, describing his passing as the end of a remarkable era in Ilorin’s religious history.

The revered Islamic scholar died on Monday, January 19, 2026, after a brief illness.
In a condolence message, Sheikh Akeugberu, speaking on behalf of the Muslim Ummah in Oyo Land, extended sympathies to the Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR; the Ilorin Emirate; the immediate family of the deceased; and the Muslim community across Kwara State.

“The demise of Shaykh (Dr) Muhammad Bashir Imam Solih marks the end of a remarkable era in the religious history of Ilorin,” the Grand Chief Imam said. “His legacy of moderation, eloquence, humility and principled leadership will continue to inspire generations of scholars, clerics and the wider Muslim community.”

He described the late Chief Imam as a distinguished Islamic scholar, exceptional orator and spiritual leader whose influence extended far beyond Ilorin. Appointed during the reign of the 9th Emir of Ilorin, Shehu Zuluqarnaini Gambari Mohammed, the late cleric rose to become the 12th Chief Imam of Ilorin and served for more than four decades under three successive Emirs.

According to Sheikh Akeugberu, the late Imam was widely admired for his intellectual brilliance, deep commitment to Islamic principles and unwavering dedication to the moral and spiritual upliftment of society.

“His global recognition, national honours and academic accolades were clear testimonies to a life devoted to knowledge, service and excellence in religious leadership,” he said.

While mourning the loss, the Grand Chief Imam urged the Muslim Ummah to draw comfort from the enduring impact of the late Imam’s life and to remain steadfast in unity, peace and devotion to Allah.

He also offered prayers for the deceased, asking Allah to forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds, grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus, and comfort the government and people of Kwara State, the Ilorin Emirate and the entire Muslim community.