ILORIN – A new spiritual leader has emerged in the ancient city of Ilorin following the appointment of Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki Imam Fulani as the Chief Imam Fulani of the Ilorin Emirate by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR.
The appointment, which followed a keenly contested selection process among eminent Islamic scholars, places the 42-year-old cleric at the helm of one of the most respected religious offices in the emirate.
A Rich Family Heritage
Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki comes from a distinguished lineage deeply rooted in the religious history of Ilorin. He is the grandson of the 8th Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Ibrahim Dasuki Imam Fulani Agaka, and the son of the 10th Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Maliki bn Dasuki Agaka.
His emergence is therefore seen by many as a continuation of a long-standing tradition of Islamic scholarship and service within the revered Imam Fulani family.
Scholar, Teacher and Community Leader
Before his appointment, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki had built a reputation as an accomplished Islamic scholar, educator and preacher.
He is the founder and proprietor of Darul Bisharah Arabic and Islamic Studies, Airport, Egbejila, Ilorin, where he has devoted years to the teaching and propagation of Islamic knowledge.
He also served as the Imam of Afsat Oloriegbe Memorial Mosque, Oko-Olowo, Ilorin, leading both daily congregational prayers and the weekly Jumu’ah service.
Beyond the mosque, the cleric has reached a wider audience through the media as presenter of the Al-Bisharah Islamic Foundation programme on Radio Kwara during the holy month of Ramadan. He is also a lecturer at Darul Kitab College of Arabic and Islamic Studies, Gaa Akanbi, Ilorin.
Strong Educational Background
The new Chief Imam combines traditional Islamic learning with formal academic training.
His educational qualifications include:
- Master’s Degree in Islamic Studies (in view), Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin;
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Islamic Shari’ah from Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt (2014);
- Diploma in Arabic and Islamic Education from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria;
- Secondary education at Darul Kitab wa Sunnah, Gaa Akanbi, Ilorin; and
- Primary education at Oke Suna LGEA Primary School, Ilorin.
His academic exposure at Al-Azhar University, one of the world’s foremost centres of Islamic learning, is expected to enrich his leadership of the Muslim community in Ilorin and beyond.
Emir Offers Prayers
While announcing the appointment, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, prayed for the new Chief Imam, asking Almighty Allah to grant him wisdom, good health, long life and divine guidance in the discharge of his responsibilities.
The Emir expressed confidence in Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki’s ability to provide spiritual leadership and contribute to the continued growth and unity of the Muslim Ummah in the Ilorin Emirate.
Expectations Ahead
As Chief Imam Fulani of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki is expected to play a vital role in promoting Islamic teachings, fostering unity among Muslims, mentoring younger scholars and supporting the Emirate’s efforts toward peace, religious harmony and community development.
His appointment has been widely welcomed by Islamic scholars, community leaders and residents, who view it as a recognition of scholarship, service and dedication to the cause of Islam.
With a rich heritage, sound academic credentials and years of practical experience in religious leadership, many believe Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki is well positioned to uphold the legacy of his predecessors and lead the Muslim community into a new chapter of spiritual growth and development.
