The Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has appointed Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki Imam Fulani as the new Chief Imam of the Ilorin Emirate.
This followed a selection process involving several Islamic scholars.
The appointment came barely five months after the death of the immediate past Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Saliu (also known as Bashir Fulani), who died on January 19, 2026, at the age of 75.
The deceased, who spent more than four decades on the religious seat, was buried on January 20, 2026, following funeral prayers at the Emir’s Palace in Ilorin.
A statement issued by the Emir’s Personal Assistant, Dr Abdulraheem Muritala, on Wednesday night said Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki emerged successful after a rigorous selection exercise.
At 42, the new Chief Imam comes from a lineage deeply rooted in the religious history of Ilorin.
He is a grandson of the 8th Chief Imam Fulani of Ilorin, Sheikh Ibrahim Dasuki Imam Fulani Agaka, and a close relative of the 10th Chief Imam Fulani, Sheikh Maliki bn Dasuki Agaka.
Before his appointment, Sheikh Dasuki was the founder and proprietor of Darul Bisharah Arabic and Islamic Studies, Egbejila, Ilorin.
He also served as the Imam of Afsat Oloriegbe Memorial Mosque, Oko Olowo, where he led daily prayers and Jumu’ah services.
The cleric is also known for his Islamic teachings on Radio Kwara during the Ramadan period through the Al-Bisharah Islamic Foundation programme and for lecturing at Darul Kitab College of Arabic and Islamic Studies, Gaa Akanbi, Ilorin.
Academically, he studied Islamic law at Al-Azhar University, Egypt, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Islamic Shari’ah in 2014.
He also holds a Diploma in Arabic and Islamic Education from Ahmadu Bello University and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Islamic Studies at Al-Hikmah University.
In his remarks, the Emir prayed for divine guidance, wisdom and a successful tenure for the new Chief Imam.
The appointment marked a new chapter for the office following the passing of Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Saliu, who served as the 12th Chief Imam of Ilorin from 1983 until his death in January 2026.
During his 43-year reign, the late cleric was widely respected for his scholarship, advocacy for peace and religious tolerance, and leadership of the Kwara State Council of Ulama.
The late Chief Imam’s death drew tributes from across Nigeria, including from the Emir of Ilorin, the Kwara State Government, religious leaders and academic institutions, who described his passing as the end of an era in the religious history of the Ilorin Emirate.
“May Allah grant him wisdom, sound health and a successful reign in service to Islam and the Ilorin Emirate,” the Emir said.
