The Demise of Chief Imām Of Ilorin by Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, CON


I received with deep sadness, yet with complete submission to the will of Almighty Allah, the news of the passing of the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Shaykh (Dr.) Muhammad Bashir Imam Solih, OON, who returned to his Lord in the early hours of yesterday Monday at the age of 75.

The demise of the 12th Chief Imam of Ilorin is indeed a monumental loss, not only to the Ilorin Emirate and the people of Kwara State, but to the entire Muslim Ummah and humanity at large. Shaykh Muhammad Bashir Imam Solih was a towering religious leader, a distinguished scholar, and a moral compass whose successful life was defined by knowledge, integrity, devotion to Allah, as well as selfless service to society.

Throughout his decades of service on the Mimbar, the late Chief Imam exemplified wisdom, tolerance, humility, and courage. He was widely respected for his intellectual depth, honesty, and relentless commitment to the unity of the Ummah. His consistent advocacy for peace, moderation, discipline, and harmony greatly strengthened social cohesion and reinforced Ilorin’s historic status as a centre of Islamic scholarship and spiritual excellence. 

More importantly, Shaykh Muhammad Bashir Imam Solih was a teacher, mentor, and father figure to many. He played a vital role in fostering unity among scholars, nurturing younger generations, and maintaining a strong, respectful relationship between the Ilorin Emirate Council and the wider Muslim community.

I extend my heartfelt condolences to His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, the family of the deceased, His Excellency, Governor Abdurrahman Abdurrazaq, the Ilorin Emirate Council, the community of Islamic scholars, and the entire people of Ilorin on this irreparable loss.

May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his decades of service as acts of ‘ibadah, illuminate his grave, and grant him the paradise. 

May Allah also grant his family, the Ilorin Emirate, and the entire ‘Ummah the fortitude to bear this loss, and may the enduring legacy of the late Chief Imam continue to inspire righteousness, unity, and peace even beyond his death. 

Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, CON 
(Majidaɗin Daular Usmaniyya).

1/07/1447H 
(20/01/2026G)

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