By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
ILORIN – The Emir of Ilorin, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, has approved the appointment of Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki Imam Fulani as the new Chief Imam of Ilorin Emirate, following what palace sources described as a rigorous and consultative selection process.
The appointment, which marks a significant moment in the religious leadership of the ancient Ilorin Emirate, followed the emergence of Sheikh Dasuki from among several prominent Islamic scholars considered for the revered position.
The new Chief Imam, aged 42, succeeds a long line of respected Islamic leaders in the emirate and is expected to play a central role in guiding the spiritual affairs of the Muslim community in Ilorin and beyond.
A Legacy Rooted in Islamic Scholarship
Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki Imam Fulani is deeply rooted in a family legacy of Islamic scholarship. 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.
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Before his elevation, he was widely known for his contributions to Islamic education and community leadership within Ilorin and its environs.
He is the founder and proprietor of Darul Bisharah Arabic and Islamic Studies, Airport Egbejila, Ilorin, where he has trained students in Arabic and Islamic scholarship. He also served as Imam leading daily and Jumu’ah prayers at the Afsat Oloriegbe Memorial Mosque, Oko Olowo, Ilorin.
In addition, Sheikh Dasuki is a presenter on the Al-Bisharah Islamic Foundation radio programme on Radio Kwara during Ramadan and a lecturer at Darul Kitab College of Arabic and Islamic Studies, Gaa Akanbi, Ilorin.
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Academic Background
The new Chief Imam holds a strong academic foundation in Islamic studies, having been trained in both Nigeria and abroad. His academic qualifications include:
Master’s degree in Islamic Studies (in view), Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin
Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Shari’ah, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt (2014)
Diploma in Arabic and Islamic Education, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (Institute of Education)
Senior Secondary School Certificate, Darul Kitab wa Sunnah, Gaa Akanbi, Ilorin
Primary education at Oke Suna LGEA Primary School, Ilorin
Emir’s Charge to the New Chief Imam
Announcing the appointment, the Emir of Ilorin offered prayers for divine guidance, wisdom, and strength for the new Chief Imam in the discharge of his spiritual responsibilities.
The Merit Newspaper reports that the Emir prayed for a peaceful and successful tenure, asking Allah to grant him long life, sound health, and wisdom to lead the Muslim Ummah in unity and righteousness.
“Amin. Long live the Ilorin Emirate. Shehu, Shehu, Shehu, wallahu yazimuka mina nas, amin,” the Emir was quoted as saying.
A New Spiritual Chapter
The appointment is widely expected to usher in a new phase in the religious leadership of Ilorin Emirate, a community known for its strong Islamic heritage and scholarly traditions spanning generations.
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Observers say Sheikh Dasuki’s background in Islamic education, family lineage, and community engagement positions him as a fitting successor to uphold the responsibilities of the office.
