BREAKING: Ilorin Chief Imam Sheikh Bashir Soliu Passes Away at 75—-Sheikh Bashir Soliu, the Chief Imam of Ilorin Emirate in Kwara State, is dead.

SaharaReporters learnt that the revered Islamic scholar and spiritual leader passed away on Monday, throwing the Ilorin Emirate and the wider Muslim community into mourning.

Although details surrounding his death remain sketchy as of the time of filing this report, credible sources confirmed the development to SaharaReporters.

Born in Ilorin, Kwara State, Sheikh Soliu rose through decades of learning, teaching and leadership to become one of the most influential Islamic figures in the state.

He served as the 12th Chief Imam of the Ilorin Emirate, a position he occupied for over 40 years after his appointment in 1983.

During his long reign, the late Chief Imam was widely respected for his knowledge of Islamic jurisprudence, firm leadership in religious matters and unwavering commitment to peace, unity and religious tolerance, both within the Muslim community and in the wider society.

He was an Islamic scholar and the 12th chief Imam of Ilorin.

The cleric was often referred to as Imam Fulani. He was appointed by the former emir of Ilorin, Zuluqarnain Muhammadu Gambari, following the death of Imam Musa Ahmad in 1983.

His father, Imam Saliu Omo Onida Abdulkadir, was the 7th chief Imam of Ilorin Emirate.

Remi Tinubu, SanwoOlu, Southwest Governors, Osoba, Ooni, Primate Alogbo, Others To Grace Eritosin’s Prayer Convention for Nigeria in Ikorodu—-First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Dapo Abiodun, Ademola Adeleke, Seyi Makinde, former Ogun State Governor, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun are among top dignitaries expected to attend the 2025 annual convention and Harvest of Divine Grace of Apata Ayeraye C&S International (Unification) Church shepherd by Revd (Dr) Captain Mother Kehinde Osoba, Chancellor, College of Chaplaincy and Social Sciences, Nigeria on Sunday, 28th December, 2025 in Ikorodu.

Others are Primate Emmanuel Abiodun Alogbo, Supreme Head of C&S Unification, Prophetess Esther Ajayi, Ayangburen of Ikorodu, HRM Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi and Hon Olawande George, Son of KSA and Chairman of Royal Majesty Place, while Ace Comedian, Ali Baba will also have special appearance at the harvest.

The theme of this year’s celebration, “Arise, Shine; for thy light has come” (Isaiah 60:1), has been described as both timely and profoundly
instructive for the restoration of the glory of Nigeria

According to a congratulatory message of sent to the Church by former presidential candidate of the SDP, Prince Adewole Adebayo, who is also expected to attend the convention “it speaks not only to spiritual awakening but also to the collective responsibility of faith communities in illuminating the path of righteousness, justice, and national renewal for Nigeria”

The Ikorodu venue of the grand finale is already agog as worshippers continue to troop in for the spiritual gathering, where prayers will be offered for the stability and security of Nigeria on Sunday.