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From LAYI OLANREWAJU, Ilorin
Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Chief Imam of Ilorin and Chairman, Kwara State Council of Ulama, Alfas and Imams, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Salihu, describing his passing as a profound loss to Ilorin, Kwara State and the entire Nigerian Muslim Ummah.
Saraki stated this in a condolence message issued on Monday and signed by his Press Officer on Local Matters, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir.
According to the former Senate President, he received the news of the cleric’s death “with deep sorrow and a profound sense of loss,” noting that the late Chief Imam was not just a religious leader but “an institution whose life was defined by scholarship, devotion to Allah, and selfless service to the Ummah.”
Saraki said Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Salihu’s more than four decades of continuous leadership on the mimbar elevated him into a moral compass and spiritual authority whose influence went far beyond the Ilorin Emirate and Kwara State.
He noted that the late Islamic scholar served diligently as both the spiritual head of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Ulama, Alfas and Imams, guiding generations of Muslims with wisdom, clarity and uncommon humility.
“The late Chief Imam served diligently as the spiritual head of Ilorin and as Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Ulama, Alfas and Imams, guiding generations with wisdom, clarity, and uncommon humility,” Saraki said.
He added that the cleric’s sermons and teachings left a lasting imprint on the spiritual identity of Ilorin.
From the pulpit, his sonorous voice consistently called the faithful to righteousness, peace, discipline, and communal harmony. His sermons and teachings further strengthened Ilorin’s historic reputation as a bastion of Islamic theology, jurisprudence, moderation, and intellectual excellence,” he stated.
Saraki described the late Chief Imam as a worthy heir to a distinguished lineage of Islamic scholarship in Ilorin, saying his life reflected the finest values of the city’s spiritual heritage.
“A worthy heir to a noble lineage of Islamic scholarship, Sheikh (Dr.) Muhammad Bashir Salihu embodied the finest values of Ilorin’s spiritual heritage. His life reflected piety, loyalty, diligence, and a deep respect for knowledge,” he said.
Beyond his official religious roles, Saraki said the late scholar was a teacher, mentor and father-figure to many, whose influence extended to shaping minds, character and leadership through learning and exemplary conduct.
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“Beyond his role as Chief Imam, he was a teacher, mentor, and father-figure to many, shaping minds and character through learning and exemplary conduct. His leadership fostered unity within the Ilorin Emirate and strengthened the harmonious relationship between the Emirate Council and the Islamic community,” Saraki noted.
On behalf of his family, Saraki extended heartfelt condolences to the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari; the immediate family of the deceased; members of the Council of Ulama, Alfas and Imams in Kwara State and beyond; and the entire people of the Ilorin Emirate.
He said the death of Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Salihu marked the loss of “a towering spiritual leader, an accomplished scholar, and a symbol of faith, moderation, and service to humanity.”
Saraki also reflected on his personal relationship with the late Chief Imam, describing it as a cherished father-and-son bond.
He recalled the prayers, counsel and moral support he received from the cleric during critical moments of his public service, describing them as unforgettable.
Saraki said the Saraki family benefited immensely from the goodwill, guidance and sincere supplications of the late Chief Imam, adding that his late father, Oloye (Dr.) Abubakar Olusola Saraki, held the cleric in the highest esteem for his integrity and unwavering commitment to the Ummah.
As the Ilorin Emirate and the Muslim community mourn the loss, Saraki urged them to take solace in the enduring legacy left behind by the late scholar.
“As the people mourn this great loss, Saraki urged the Ilorin Emirate and the Muslim Ummah to take solace in the enduring legacy left behind by the late Chief Imam, a life devoted to Allah, service to humanity, the propagation of knowledge, and the nurturing of future generations of scholars and professionals,” the statement said.
He expressed confidence that the works and teachings of Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Salihu would continue to inspire generations yet unborn.
Saraki concluded by offering prayers for the repose of the soul of the departed Islamic scholar.
“He prayed Almighty Allah (SWT) to forgive the shortcomings of the departed scholar, accept his decades of service as acts of ibadah, grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus, and comfort the Ilorin Emirate, his family, and the entire Muslim Ummah. Ameen,” Saraki stated.
