Written by Dr. Daud Awwal, The National Press, London
The Emir of Ilorin, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, has officially appointed Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki, Imam Fulani, as the 13th Chief Imam of Ilorin Emirate following a rigorous selection process involving several distinguished Islamic scholars.
The appointment marks a new chapter in the religious history of the Ilorin Emirate as Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki succeeds the late Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Saliu Al-Fulani, who served as the 12th Chief Imam of Ilorin from 1983 until his passing on January 19, 2026
Sheikh Dasuki emerged as the winner among a pool of qualified contenders for the highly revered spiritual office, further strengthening the centuries-old tradition of Islamic scholarship and leadership in the Ilorin Emirate.
A SCHOLAR FROM A DISTINGUISHED LINEAGE
At 42 years old, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki becomes one of the youngest occupants of the prestigious office.
He comes from the renowned Imam Dasuki Agaka family, one of the most respected Islamic lineages in Ilorin. He is the grandson of the 8th Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Ibrahim Dasuki Imam Fulani Agaka, and a close relative of the 10th Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Abdulmaliki bn Dasuki Agaka.
His appointment, therefore, represents a continuation of a family tradition deeply rooted in Islamic scholarship, leadership and service to the Muslim community.
EDUCATION AND SCHOLARLY BACKGROUND
The new Chief Imam possesses a rich educational background acquired from both local and international institutions.
He obtained a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Islamic Shari’ah from Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt, in 2014.
He also holds a Diploma in Arabic Islamic Education from the Institute of Education, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Currently, he is pursuing a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in Islamic Studies at Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin.
His earlier education includes:
Darul Kitab was-Sunnah, Gaa Akanbi, Ilorin (SSCE, 2007).
Oke Suna LGEA Primary School, Ilorin.
CAREER AND COMMUNITY SERVICE
Before his elevation as Chief Imam, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki distinguished himself in several capacities as an Islamic scholar, teacher and community leader.
His previous responsibilities include:
Founder and Proprietor of Darul Bisharah Arabic and Islamic Studies, Airport-Egbejila, Ilorin.
Imam of Afsat Oloriegbe Memorial Mosque, Oko-Olowo, Ilorin, where he led daily congregational prayers and Jumu’ah services.
Presenter of the Al-Bisharah Islamic Foundation Ramadan Programme on Radio Kwara.
Lecturer and teacher at Darul Kitab College of Arabic and Islamic Studies, Gaa Akanbi, Ilorin.
His contributions to Islamic education and spiritual development have earned him respect across the Emirate and beyond.
EMIR’S PRAYERS AND BLESSINGS
Speaking on the appointment, the Emir of Ilorin prayed for Allah’s guidance, protection and wisdom for the new Chief Imam.
The monarch expressed confidence in Sheikh Dasuki’s ability to provide spiritual leadership and strengthen the unity of the Muslim Ummah in Ilorin Emirate.
Offering special prayers for the new Chief Imam, the Emir said:
“Ameen. Long live the Ilorin Emirate. Shehu, Shehu, Shehu, Wallaahu Ya’simuka Minan-Naas, Ameen.”
TEN FACTS ABOUT THE NEW CHIEF IMAM
- He is Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki Imam Fulani.
- He is the newly appointed 13th Chief Imam of Ilorin Emirate.
- He was appointed by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR.
- He emerged successful after a rigorous selection process.
- He is 42 years old.
- He is the grandson of Sheikh Ibrahim Dasuki Imam Fulani Agaka, the 8th Chief Imam of Ilorin.
- He is from the respected Dasuki Agaka lineage.
- He founded Darul Bisharah Arabic and Islamic Studies, Airport-Egbejila.
- He served as Imam of Afsat Oloriegbe Memorial Mosque, Oko-Olowo.
- He studied at Al-Azhar University, Egypt, and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree at Al-Hikmah University.
HISTORICAL SUCCESSION OF CHIEF IMAMS OF ILORIN
The office of the Chief Imam of Ilorin, historically known as the Imam Fulani, was institutionalised in the 19th century and remains one of the most influential religious institutions in the Emirate.
The succession of Chief Imams of Ilorin is as follows:
- Sheikh Muhammad bn Sanni Idiagbon
The first recorded Chief Imam of Ilorin,1821 - Sheikh Muhammad Awwal
- Sheikh Haliru Yero (Ile-Badiko)
- Sheikh Saliu Ori-Oke
- Sheikh Abubakar Atiku Ori-Oke
- Sheikh Abdulkadir Aliyu Ori-Oke
- Sheikh Saliu Alfa Omo Onida Baboko
- Sheikh Ibrahim Dasuki Imam Fulani Agaka (He died in 1952)
- Sheikh Ahmada Baboko (1952–1972)
- Sheikh Abdulmaliki bn Dasuki Agaka
- Sheikh Musa Ahmada Baboko
He died in Makkah in 1983. - Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Saliu Al-Fulani (1983–2026)
He served for over four decades before passing away on January 19, 2026, making him the longest-serving Chief Imam of Ilorin.
- Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki Imam Fulani (Appointed June 9, 2026)
A NEW ERA OF SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP
With his appointment as the 13th Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki assumes one of the most revered religious positions in Northern Nigeria. His emergence reflects the enduring legacy of Islamic scholarship within the Ilorin Emirate and the confidence reposed in him by the Emirate’s traditional and religious institutions.
As he begins his tenure, expectations remain high that his scholarly background, teaching experience and deep-rooted family heritage will further strengthen the spiritual, educational and social development of the Muslim community in Ilorin Emirate and beyond.
Written by Dr Daud Awwal,
The National Press Newspaper, London,
11 June,2026.
