The Dan Amanan Fune Emirate of Yobe State and the Nwanne Ukwu Di Na Mba of Amaba-Ukwu Item in Abia State, Alhaji (Chief) Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia, Ph.D., have expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Soliu, OON, describing his death as a personal and monumental loss not only to Ilorin and Kwara State, but to the generality of Muslim Ummah.
In a condolence message issued and signed by Ajia’s Director of Communications, Mallam Abdulrahman Aliagan and made available to Journalists. Ajia extended heartfelt sympathies to the Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Traditional Rulers and Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, the Government and people of Kwara State under the leadership of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, the sons and daughters of Ilorin Emirate at home and in the diaspora, as well as the entire Kwara State Muslim Community and the Muslim Ummah across Nigeria and beyond.
Alhaji Ajia described the late Sheikh Soliu as a rare spiritual leader and outstanding Islamic scholar whose life was devoted to the service of Allah and humanity.
“The passing of Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Soliu is a great loss not only to the people of Ilorin in Kwara State, but to Nigeria and the generality of Ummah.
Dan Amanan Fune noted that the late Chief Imam of Ilorin was a moral authority, a bridge-builder and a father figure who consistently promoted unity, harmony and peaceful coexistence among Muslim communities,” he said.
He added that the late Chief Imam made far-reaching contributions to the growth and development of Islam and Islamic scholarship in Nigeria, noting that his influence transcended Ilorin and Kwara State.
“Through his teaching, preaching and moral leadership, he nurtured generations of scholars and faithful, strengthened Islamic institutions and upheld the noble values of Islam with humility, wisdom and courage.
“His legacy will continue to guide the Ummah for decades to come,” Alhaji Ajia stated.
The Ilorin-born businessman and security expert prayed for Allah’s mercy and forgiveness for the departed cleric, praying the Almighty Allah to accept his good deeds and grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus.
“We pray that Allah, in His infinite mercy, forgives his shortcomings, accepts his lifelong service to Islam as acts of ibadah, expands his grave and admits him into the highest level of Paradise,” he said.
Nwanne Ukwu Di Na Mba of Amaba-Ukwu Item also offered prayers for the Emir of Ilorin, the bereaved family, the Ilorin Emirate and the entire Muslim Ummah to bear the painful and irreplaceable loss.
“May Allah grant His Royal Highness the Emir of Ilorin, the family of the late Chief Imam, and the entire Ummah the fortitude, patience and strength to endure this great trial. Indeed, we belong to Allah and to Him we shall return,” Alhaji Ajia added.
According to him, “the enduring legacy of Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Soliu in scholarship, unity and righteousness should inspire Muslim leaders and scholars across Nigeria to remain steadfast in upholding the true values of Islam.”
He prayed that Allah would raise worthy successor to sustain and build upon the noble legacy left behind by the late Chief Imam.
Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Soliu, OON, until his death, served as the 12th Chief Imam of Ilorin, Chairman Council of Ulama, Kwara state and was widely respected for his scholarship, humility and unwavering commitment to Islamic unity.
His passing has continued to attract tributes from religious leaders, traditional rulers and Muslim communities across Nigeria.
