Emir appoints Sheikh Dasuki as 13th Chief Imam of Ilorin, AbdulRazaq hails choice

By Demola Akinyemi, Ilorin

Five months after the death of the late Chief Imam of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Muhammad Bashir Imam, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has approved the appointment of Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki Imam Fulani as the 13th Chief Imam of Ilorin Emirate.

The appointment was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Emir’s spokesman, Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona.

According to the statement, Sheikh Dasuki emerged successful after a rigorous selection process involving several distinguished Islamic scholars who vied for the highly revered spiritual position.

The appointment comes five months after the passing of the late Chief Imam, Alhaji (Dr.) Muhammad Bashir Imam, OON, who died on January 19, 2026.

At 42, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki becomes one of the youngest occupants of the revered office. He hails from a lineage of prominent Islamic leaders in Ilorin. He is a grandson of the 8th Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Ibrahim Dasuki Imam Fulani Agaka, and son of the 10th Chief Imam, Sheikh Maliki bn Dasuki Agaka.

Before his appointment, Sheikh Dasuki was the founder and proprietor of Darul Bisharah Arabic and Islamic Studies, Airport, Egbejila, Ilorin. He also served as the Imam of Afusat Oloriegbe Memorial Mosque, Oko-Olowo, Ilorin, where he led daily prayers and weekly Jumu’ah services.

The new Chief Imam is also known for his Islamic teachings and media engagements, including presenting the Al-Bisharah Islamic Foundation Ramadan programme on Radio Kwara. He currently teaches at Darul Kitab College of Arabic and Islamic Studies, Gaa Akanbi, Ilorin.

Academically, Sheikh Dasuki holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Islamic Shari’ah from Al-Azhar University, obtained in 2014, and a Diploma in Arabic Islamic Education from Ahmadu Bello University. He is presently pursuing a Master’s degree in Islamic Studies at Al-Hikmah University.

He also attended Darul Kitab wa Sunnah, Gaa Akanbi, Ilorin, and Oke Suna LGEA Primary School, Ilorin.

The Emir prayed for the successful reign of the new Chief Imam, asking Allah to grant him wisdom, sound health and long life to lead the Muslim Ummah effectively.

Meanwhile, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has congratulated Sheikh Dasuki on his appointment, describing him as a fitting choice for the prestigious office.

In a statement issued by his Deputy Chief Press Secretary, Moshood Agboola, the governor also commended the Emir of Ilorin for selecting the 42-year-old Islamic scholar for the position.

“The choice of a young and vibrant Azhari scholar as the new Chief Imam Fulani reflects the commitment of our community, which His Royal Highness symbolises, to continue to mobilise different demographies of the Muslim Ummah for greater good and development,” the governor said.

AbdulRazaq prayed for divine guidance, protection and good health for the new Chief Imam and urged the people of Ilorin Emirate to support him in the discharge of his responsibilities.

“I ask Allah to guide and protect the new Chief Imam, perfect His blessings upon him, and give him long life and good health in the service of the Ummah. I also urge everyone to rally round the new Chief Imam in the overall interest of our community,” the governor added.

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