Muhammad Bashir Saliu
Muhammad Bashir Saliu Al-Fulani | |
|---|---|
| Born | Muhammad Bashir 1950 Ilorin, Nigeria |
| Died | (aged 75) |
| Other names | Imam Fulani |
| Citizenship | Nigerian |
| Father | Imam Saliu Omo Onida Abdulkadir |
| Honours | Officer of the Niger (OON) |
Muhammad Bashir Saliu Al-Fulani OON (1950 – 19 January 2026) was a Nigerian Islamic scholar and the 12th chief Imam of Ilorin. He was often referred to as Imam Fulani.[1][2] He was appointed by the former emir of Ilorin, Zuluqarnain Muhammadu Gambari, following the death of Imam Musa Ahmad in 1983.[3] His father, Imam Saliu Omo Onida Abdulkadir was the seventh chief Imam of Ilorin Emirate.[2]
Education
Saliu finished his Quranic education from the Magaji Baboko Quranic School located in Ilorin, subsequently he attended Shaykh Abubakar Sakama school from 1963 to 1965 after which he went under the tutelage of Shaykh Musa Nuhu Elere for seven years in Ilorin.[2]
Leadership and religious role
Saliu led the annual Ramadan Tefsir in Ilorin usually done in the emir's palace alongside other ulamas in the city including the Imam Imale, the Imam Gambari, the Ajanasi Agba of Ilorin and the chief mufasir etc.[4]
During the COVID-19 pandemic because of the measures given by the government regarding movement restrictions of the citizens of Nigeria, he led the Eid al-Adha prayer of the Muslim virtually.[5]
Death
Saliu died on 19 January 2026, at the age of 75 after a brief illness.[6][7]
References
- ^ Mohammed, Haruna (6 March 2023). "40th anniversary: Emir Sulu-Gambari sends goodwill message to Chief Imam of Ilorin". Royal News. Retrieved 13 September 2025.
- ^ a b c "Imam Bashir: Ilorin's Chief Imam's Four Decades of Extraordinary Imamship By Abubakar Imam". www.ilorin.info. Retrieved 13 September 2025.
- ^ "Emir of Ilorin congratulates imam on 40 years in office". Daily Trust. Retrieved 13 September 2025.
- ^ Alasela, Abu Zainab (2 March 2025). "Ilorin Emir's Palace Ramadan Tafsir Starts Tomorrow". Royal News. Retrieved 13 September 2025.
- ^ "Ilorin Chief Imam leads Nigeria's first virtual Eid-al-Adha prayer - Muslim News Nigeria". 1 August 2020. Retrieved 13 September 2025.
- ^ Chief Imam of Ilorin Dies at 75
- ^ TVCNews (19 January 2026). "Kwara: Chief Imam of Ilorin Dies at 75". Trending News. Retrieved 19 January 2026.