By Ghazali Ibrahim
The Emir of Ilorin, 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, announced on Wednesday, was disclosed in a statement by the Emir’s spokesman, Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona.
According to the statement, Sheikh Dasuki emerged as the successful candidate after a competitive selection process involving several prominent Islamic scholars seeking the revered religious office.
He takes over from the late Alhaji (Dr.) Muhammad Bashir Imam, OON, who died on January 19, 2026.
At 42, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki comes from a renowned family of Islamic clerics in Ilorin. He is the grandson of the 8th Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Ibrahim Dasuki Imam Fulani Agaka, and the son of Sheikh Maliki bn Dasuki Agaka, the 10th Chief Imam of the emirate.
Before his elevation, he founded and managed Darul Bisharah Arabic and Islamic Studies in Egbejila, Ilorin. He also served as the Imam of Afusat Oloriegbe Memorial Mosque in Oko Olowo, where he led daily congregational prayers and weekly Jumu’ah services.
Beyond his mosque duties, Sheikh Dasuki is known for his contributions to Islamic education and media outreach. He hosts the Al-Bisharah Islamic Foundation programme on Radio Kwara during Ramadan and lectures at Darul Kitab College of Arabic and Islamic Studies, Gaa Akanbi, Ilorin.
His academic qualifications include a Master’s degree in Islamic Studies from Al-Hikmah University, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Islamic Shari’ah from Egypt’s prestigious Al-Azhar University, and a Diploma in Arabic and Islamic Education from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
He also received Islamic training at Darul Kitab wa Sunnah, Ilorin, after completing his primary education at Oke Suna LGEA Primary School.
The Emir prayed for Allah’s guidance and blessings upon the new Chief Imam, expressing hope that he would provide exemplary spiritual leadership and strengthen the growth of Islam and unity within the Ilorin Emirate.
