By Ghazali Ibrahim
Nigeria’s revered Islamic cleric and leader of the Tijjaniyya Sufi order, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, has died at the age of 98.
The influential scholar passed away in Bauchi on Thursday morning, November 27, after a brief illness, according to family sources.
His death was confirmed by his son, and tributes have begun pouring in from across Nigeria’s religious and political spheres.
Born in June 1927, Sheikh Dahiru was one of the most prominent Islamic figures in West Africa. Known for his deep knowledge of the Qur’an, he was a spiritual mentor to thousands and a leading voice in the Tijjaniyya movement, which has millions of followers in Nigeria and beyond.
Throughout his life, he championed Islamic education, founded numerous Qur’anic schools, and preached peace, unity, and moral discipline. His annual Qur’anic graduation ceremonies in Bauchi drew massive crowds and dignitaries from across the Muslim world.
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed described the cleric’s death as a “monumental loss,” calling him “a pillar of wisdom and peace.”
Burial arrangements are underway in line with Islamic rites. Sheikh Dahiru leaves behind a large family, numerous disciples, and an enduring religious legacy that continues to shape Islamic thought and practice in Nigeria.
