Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Soliu was born on Friday, July 7th, 1950 in Ilorin, Kwara State into a family deeply rooted in Islamic scholarship.
2. His father, Imam Soliu Omo Onida Abdulkadir, was himself a respected Islamic cleric, which shaped his early religious upbringing.
3. He began his Qur’anic education at a very young age in Ilorin, memorising and studying the Qur’an under seasoned local scholars.
4. He attended the Magaji Baboko Qur’anic School, where he laid a strong foundation in classical Arabic recitation and tajwīd.
5. He furthered his Islamic training under renowned scholars, including Shaykh Abubakar Sakama and Shaykh Musa Nuhu Elere, mastering Arabic pronunciation, fiqh, and tafsir.
6. His exceptional command of Arabic diction and phonetics later became one of his most distinctive public identities.
7. In pursuit of higher Islamic education, he enrolled at Al-Mahad Al-Azhar Institute of Arabic and Islamic Studies.
8. He graduated in 1974, fully equipped as a trained Islamic scholar and teacher.
9. After his studies, he devoted himself to teaching, preaching, and mentoring students, combining scholarship with humility and discipline.
10. In 1983, he was appointed the 12th Chief Imam of the Ilorin Emirate, becoming one of the youngest ever to hold the revered position.
11. His appointment was made during the reign of Emir Zuluqarnain Muhammadu Gambari, marking the beginning of a historic tenure.
12. He served continuously as Chief Imam for over four decades, making him one of the longest-serving Chief Imams in Ilorin’s history.
13. Throughout his leadership, he was known for calm authority, moral clarity, and unwavering commitment to peace.
14. He presided over daily prayers, Jumu’ah sermons, Eid prayers and major religious gatherings with remarkable consistency.
15. He became a central figure during annual Ramadan Tafsir sessions, particularly those held at the Emir’s Palace, drawing scholars and worshippers alike.
16. Beyond Ilorin, he served as Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Ulama, promoting unity among Islamic scholars across the state.
17. He was also an educationist, supporting and founding Islamic schools to preserve authentic Islamic learning.
18. In 2012, his life’s work earned him national recognition, including the honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON). Also, he bagged honorary doctorate from Belaze University, UK.
19. In his later years, despite age, he remained spiritually active, accessible and deeply revered, continuing to guide the community with wisdom. His Biography was unveiled to the public in November, 2024.
20. On Monday, January 19, 2026, Sheikh Dr. Muhammad Bashir Soliu, OON returned to Allah at the age of 75 after a brief illness, leaving behind an enduring legacy of faith, scholarship and exemplary leadership.
