The nation of Nigeria has been plunged into mourning following the death of Sheikh (Dr) Muhammad Bashir Imam Solih, the revered Chief Imam of Ilorin, who passed away on Monday in Abuja at the age of 75 after a brief illness.
Known for his scholarship, humility, and dedication to Islam, the late cleric was widely regarded as a guiding moral force and a bridge-builder across communities.
President Tinubu Leads Tributes
President Bola Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the loss, highlighting Sheikh Imam Solih’s decades of service to faith and unity.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the late cleric as “a devoted servant of Allah, a bridge-builder and a voice of moderation whose wisdom and humility endeared him to people of all backgrounds.”
Tinubu noted the Chief Imam’s significant role in promoting religious harmony and nurturing future generations.
He prayed that Almighty Allah grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus and offer comfort to his family, the Ilorin Emirate, and the Muslim Ummah.
Governor AbdulRazaq Highlights a Painful Loss
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq also paid tribute, calling Sheikh Imam Solih’s passing “a painful loss to Ilorin, Kwara State and the entire Nigerian Muslim community.”
In a personal condolence message, AbdulRazaq emphasized the late cleric’s profound scholarship and exemplary conduct, noting that his teachings shaped generations of Muslims.
“I am saddened by the unfortunate death of Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Imam Solih, who passed on Monday morning in Abuja as Allah has unquestionably decreed,” the governor said.
“His passing, though painful, reminds us of the transient nature of life.”
Speaker of Kwara Assembly Calls It the End of an Era
The Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, described the loss as “the end of an era” for Ilorin.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sheu Abdulkadir Yusuf, the Speaker reflected on the Chief Imam’s more than 40 years of leadership in the Emirate, praising his erudition, humility, and devotion.
He expressed heartfelt condolences to the Emir of Ilorin, the Chief Imam’s family, and the Muslim community, praying for Allah’s forgiveness and eternal rest for the late cleric.
Bukola Saraki Remembers a Spiritual Guide
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki joined the chorus of tributes, calling Sheikh Imam Solih a towering spiritual leader whose influence transcended Kwara State.
In a statement issued by his press officer, Saraki described him as a moral compass whose teachings fostered peace, discipline, and unity.
Recalling his personal interactions with the Chief Imam, Saraki described him as a father figure whose guidance shaped critical moments of public service.
He prayed for Allah’s forgiveness for the late scholar and comfort for his bereaved family.
Senators and Scholars Reflect on a Lasting Legacy
Senator Mallam Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central, described the Chief Imam’s death as a monumental loss to the Emirate and the wider Muslim world, praising his lifelong dedication to scholarship and moral leadership.
Similarly, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole (SAN), expressed shock and sorrow.
He highlighted Sheikh Imam Solih’s contributions as a friend of the institution and a tireless advocate for peace, commending the university’s enrichment through the cleric’s guidance and teachings.
A Life Devoted to Faith and Unity
Born in the 1950s, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Imam Solih became the 12th Chief Imam of Ilorin in 1983 and served in that role for over four decades.
He also chaired the Kwara State Council of Ulama, Alfas, and Imams, where he played a crucial role in fostering religious harmony and peaceful coexistence.
Throughout his life, the Chief Imam earned widespread respect for his deep knowledge of Islamic theology, humility, and tireless efforts to unify communities.
Final Farewell Scheduled in Ilorin
The late cleric passed away at a hospital in Abuja following a brief illness.
His Janazah is scheduled for Tuesday at the Emir’s Palace Square in Ilorin, where family, dignitaries, and followers will pay their final respects to a man whose life and leadership left an indelible mark on Ilorin, Kwara State, and Nigeria’s Muslim community.
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