Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, the Emir of Ilorin, has named Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki Imam Fulani as the new Chief Imam of the emirate. The appointment followed a careful selection process that involved multiple Islamic scholars in the region.
Just five months have passed since the previous Chief Imam died. Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Saliu, popularly called Bashir Fulani, passed away on January 19, 2026, at age 75.
Saliu had occupied the religious position for over 43 years. He was buried the following day after funeral prayers held at the Emir's Palace in Ilorin.
Dr Abdulraheem Muritala, the Emir's Personal Assistant, announced the appointment on Wednesday night. According to him, Sheikh Dasuki succeeded after going through a rigorous selection exercise.
At 42 years old, the new Chief Imam comes from a prominent religious family. His grandfather was Sheikh Ibrahim Dasuki Imam Fulani Agaka, who served as the 8th Chief Imam Fulani of Ilorin.
He's also closely related to Sheikh Maliki bn Dasuki Agaka, the 10th Chief Imam Fulani. Both ancestors left lasting marks on Islamic leadership in the emirate.
Before this appointment, Dasuki founded and managed Darul Bisharah Arabic and Islamic Studies in Egbejila. He worked hard to advance Islamic education in the community.
He also led prayers at Afsat Oloriegbe Memorial Mosque in Oko Olowo. Daily congregations and Friday services fell under his spiritual guidance there.
During Ramadan seasons, he shared Islamic teachings on Radio Kwara. His Al-Bisharah Islamic Foundation programme reached listeners across the state.
Lecturing remained part of his work too. He taught at Darul Kitab College of Arabic and Islamic Studies in Gaa Akanbi, Ilorin.
Dasuki studied Islamic law at Al-Azhar University in Egypt. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Shari'ah in 2014.
He holds a Diploma in Arabic and Islamic Education from Ahmadu Bello University. Currently, he's working toward a Master's degree in Islamic Studies at Al-Hikmah University.
In his remarks, the Emir asked Allah to guide the new Chief Imam. He prayed for wisdom and a successful period of service ahead.
Saliu's death marked the end of a significant era. His 43 years leading the 12th position shaped religious life across the emirate from 1983 onwards.
He earned respect from many quarters for his scholarship. Peace advocacy and religious tolerance defined much of his work.
As head of the Kwara State Council of Ulama, he strengthened Islamic institutions statewide. His passing drew tributes from government officials, religious leaders, and academics throughout Nigeria.
The Emir expressed his hope for the incoming leader. "May Allah grant him wisdom, sound health and a successful reign in service to Islam and the Ilorin Emirate," he said.
