The Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Sheikh Al-Imam Barrister Bilal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Shaykh (Dr) Muhammad Bashir Imam Solih, OON, described him as a towering spiritual icon whose passing is a great loss to the Muslim Ummah.
In a condolence message issued on Monday, January 19, 2026, the Grand Chief Imam said the late cleric’s death marked the end of a remarkable era in the religious history of Ilorin and beyond.
Speaking on behalf of the Muslim Ummah in Oyo Land, Sheikh Akeugberu extended heartfelt condolences to the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Chiefs, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR; the Ilorin Emirate; the immediate family of the deceased; and Muslims across Kwara State.
He described the late Chief Imam of Ilorin as a distinguished Islamic scholar, an exceptional orator, and a spiritual leader of rare depth whose voice and wisdom resonated far beyond the frontiers of Ilorin. Appointed during the reign of the 9th Emir of Ilorin, the late Shehu Zuluqarnaini Gambari Mohammed, he rose to become the 12th Chief Imam of Ilorin and served the Ummah faithfully for over four decades under three successive Emirs.
According to the Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Shaykh Muhammad Bashir Imam Solih was widely celebrated for his intellectual brilliance, deep commitment to Islamic principles, and unwavering dedication to the spiritual and moral advancement of society, earning national honours, academic accolades, and global recognition.
He noted that the demise of the revered cleric marked the end of a monumental chapter in Islamic leadership, adding that his enduring legacy of moderation, eloquence, humility, and principled guidance would continue to inspire generations of scholars and clerics.
While mourning the loss, the Grand Chief Imam urged the Muslim Ummah to take solace in the exemplary life of service lived by the late Chief Imam and to remain united, peaceful, and steadfast in devotion to Allah.
He also prayed that Allah (SWT) forgives the shortcomings of the deceased, accepts his good deeds, grants him Al-Jannatul Firdaus, and comfort the government and people of Kwara State, the Ilorin Emirate, and the entire Muslim Ummah.
