A Pillar of Faith, Wisdom: The Legacy of His Eminence, Chief Imam of Ilorin, Shaykh Muhammad Bashir Saliu

By Omowumi Omotosho

Ilorin, a city renowned for its deep-rooted connection to Islam, has always been guided by the principles of faith and scholarship. At the heart of this spiritual tradition stands the Chief Imam, a figure chosen with the utmost diligence and care. This esteemed position is not granted lightly, for the person must embody not only a profound knowledge of Arabic and Islamic sciences but also possess unwavering integrity, wisdom, and a tireless commitment to serving the community.

His Eminence, Shaykh (Dr.) Muhammad Bashir Saliu, the 12th Chief Imam of Ilorin, exemplifies these qualities. A man of immense spiritual stature, he has dedicated his life to the service of Islam and the Ilorin Emirate, earning reverence as a scholar, teacher, and leader.

Born in 1950 into the distinguished Alfa Omo family of Baboko, Ilorin, he was raised in a household where Islamic knowledge was cherished and cultivated. His father, Imam Saliu Omo Onida Abdulkadir, was the seventh Chief Imam of Ilorin, and his mother, Alhaja Awawu Imam Saliu, hailed from the esteemed Agogo family of Agaka, Ilorin.

From a young age, Imam Bashir immersed himself in the study of the Qur’an and Islamic sciences, beginning his education at Magaji Baboko Qur’anic School before advancing under the tutelage of renowned scholars. His thirst for knowledge led him to the prestigious Al-Mahad Al-Azhar Institute, where he received a rigorous education in Arabic and Islamic studies, graduating in 1974.

Armed with a profound understanding of Islamic principles and a reputation for integrity, Shaykh Bashir began his teaching career. He served in various educational institutions, imparting knowledge and values to generations of students. Yet, his commitment to the spread of Islamic education extended beyond the classroom. He took the helm of the family’s Qur’anic school and established additional schools in Ilorin, Kogi, and Oyo states, ensuring that the light of Islamic knowledge continued to illuminate the lives of many.

As a pillar of the Muslim community, Imam Bashir’s influence extends far and wide. He serves as the Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Ulama, the Ilorin Emirate Council of Ulama, and the Council of Muslim Organizations, further cementing his role as a spiritual guide and advocate for Islamic unity. His leadership, characterized by humility, wisdom, and steadfast dedication, has been a beacon for the faithful.

Appointed as the Chief Imam of Ilorin in 1983 by the 9th Emir, Alhaji (Dr.) Sulu Gambari, Imam Bashir has served with distinction for over four decades. His tenure has witnessed transformative growth within the Ilorin community, including the expansion of prayer venues and the renovation of the Ilorin Central Jumaat Mosque, reflecting the city’s burgeoning population and devotion to Islamic worship. His role as a preacher, counselor, and peacemaker has been pivotal in fostering harmony and spiritual growth within and beyond the Ilorin Emirate.

Shaykh Bashir’s leadership has garnered admiration from countless dignitaries, both local and international, including past presidents and leaders of Nigeria. His scholarly acumen, eloquence, and exemplary character have earned him the respect of Muslims and non-Muslims alike. His services to the faith have been selfless, delivered without expectation of material reward, and driven purely by his devotion to Allah and the well-being of his community.

His legacy stands in the illustrious tradition of his predecessors, from the first Chief Imam of Ilorin, Shaykh Muhammad bn Sanni Idiagbon, to his father, Imam Saliu Omo Onida Baboko. Today, Shaykh Bashir is celebrated not only as a spiritual leader but as a transformative figure in the history of Ilorin. At 33, he became the youngest Chief Imam since 1900 and now holds the distinction of being the longest-serving Chief Imam in over a century.

His leadership has solidified Ilorin’s status as a revered center of Islamic learning and practice, and his enduring contributions will be remembered for generations to come.

Under his guidance, Ilorin continues to thrive as a city of faith, scholarship, and unity. Shaykh Bashir’s tenure as Chief Imam is a testament to the power of humility, knowledge, and devotion in shaping a community’s spiritual and moral compass. His service, offered without fanfare or pursuit of recognition, reflects the highest ideals of Islamic leadership. His eminence remains, unquestionably, a symbol of hope, faith, and enduring wisdom for the people of Ilorin and beyond.