Engr. Babalola mourns the death of Chief Imam of Ilorin, Dr. Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Solih

Said: a golden era fades, a legend departs!

The Non-Executive Commissioner Nominee of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission and a Chieftain of All Progressives Congress in Kwara State, Engr. Sunday Adebayo Babalola has expressed deep shock and great sadness over the demise of the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Dr. Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Solih OON, who answered the supreme call of Allah today Monday 19th January, 2026, at the age of 74 years. Born on 7th July, 1951, the late Great Islamic Scholar would have turned 75 years on 7th July, 2026.

The late Sheikh and erudite Islamic Scholar was a unique Islamic Scholar who not only preached the words of Allah to Muslim Ummah, but exhibited the fear of Allah in his doings. He preached peace and tolerance amongst various faiths and sustained the exemplary teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

As-Sheikh Imam Muhammad Bashir Solih OON, who was the 12th Chief Imam of Ilorin, reigned for more than 4 decades (43 years) as Chief Imam of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara State Council of Imams and Ulama, having ascended the revered Islamic stool in 1983. Throughout his over 4 decades reign, he was tolerant of other faiths, and encouraged unity amongst the community of Imams and Islamic Scholars in Kwara State. He as well ensured peaceful co-existence between Islamic Scholars and Christian Clerics, maintaining the ethics of religion of peace that Islam symbolizes.

Imam Muhammad Bashir Solih OON, stood out fantastically unique amongst scholars even with his unique, superlative, and awe-inspiring melodious voice that is a toast to all including Non-Muslims, while leading the congregation of Muslims in Salat or while preaching the words of Allah.

Even as a Christian, I was inspired by the late Chief Imam’s melodious unique voice, so as it was to others. I was more inspired by his way of life exhibited by piety, humility, deep erudition, and tolerance.

I commiserate with Kwara State Governor and Chairman Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq CON, Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara State Traditional Council, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, family, the Islamic Community, and Ilorin Emirate, on the transition of this Great Islamic Scholar. I pray for Allah’s consolation upon Emir of Ilorin, Kwara State Governor, the family, Ilorin Emirate and Islamic Community at large. I beseech Almighty Allah to forgive his inadequacies as a mortal man and admit him into Al-Jannat Firdaus.

*Engr. Sunday Adebayo Babalola*
Non-Executive Commissioner Nominee of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission
19th January, 2026