The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has approved the appointment of Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki as the new Chief Imam of Ilorin Emirate, bringing an end to months of anticipation following the death of the former spiritual leader.
The appointment was officially announced on Wednesday in a statement issued by the Emir’s Personal Assistant, Abdulraheem Muritala, and obtained by NewKwara Media Online.
Sheikh Dasuki emerged successful after a competitive selection process involving several respected Islamic scholars who were considered for the highly revered position.
The new Chief Imam succeeds Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Salihu, the 12th Chief Imam of Ilorin, who passed away on January 19, 2026, at the age of 75. His death marked the end of over four decades of spiritual leadership, having served the emirate from 1983 until his demise.
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Announcing the appointment, the Emir expressed confidence in Sheikh Dasuki’s ability to provide sound religious guidance and strengthen the Islamic heritage of the Ilorin Emirate.
According to the statement, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki Imam Fulani emerged victorious after a rigorous selection exercise conducted among distinguished Islamic clerics.
The Emirate also highlighted the new Chief Imam’s strong family lineage, noting that he is a grandson of the 8th Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Ibrahim Dasuki Imam Fulani Agaka, and the son of the 10th Chief Imam, Sheikh Maliki bn Dasuki Agaka.
SEE ALSO: See the Historic List of Chief Imams of Ilorin from 1817 to date
Before his appointment, Sheikh Dasuki was widely known for his contributions to Islamic education and religious propagation within and beyond Kwara State.
He founded Darul Bisharah Arabic and Islamic Studies in Airport, Egbejila, Ilorin, and served as the Imam leading daily and Jumat prayers at Afsat Oloriegbe Memorial Mosque, Oko Olowo.
The cleric is also a familiar voice to many residents of Kwara through the Al-Bisharah Islamic Foundation Ramadan programme aired on Radio Kwara. In addition, he teaches at Darul Kitab College of Arabic and Islamic Studies, Gaa Akanbi, Ilorin.
A review of his academic background shows that Sheikh Dasuki studied at several notable Islamic institutions. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Islamic Shari’ah from Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt, in 2014.
He also holds a Diploma in Arabic and Islamic Education from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Islamic Studies at Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin.
The appointment has already generated reactions across the Ilorin Emirate, with many residents and Islamic scholars expressing optimism that the new Chief Imam will continue the legacy of scholarship, unity and spiritual leadership associated with the revered office.
The Emir concluded by offering prayers for Sheikh Dasuki, asking Almighty Allah to grant him wisdom, good health and divine guidance as he assumes one of the most influential religious positions in Kwara State.
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