Sheikh Dasuki Named Ilorin Chief Imam at 42

The Ilorin Emirate has announced the appointment of Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki Imam Fulani as the 13th Chief Imam of Ilorin, ushering in a new chapter in the spiritual leadership of the ancient emirate.

The appointment follows the passing of the former Chief Imam, Alhaji (Dr.) Muhammad Bashir Imam, in January 2026. The decision was formally announced by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, who also serves as Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council. The announcement was conveyed through a statement issued on Wednesday by the Emir’s spokesman, Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona.

At just 42 years old, Sheikh Dasuki becomes one of the youngest individuals to occupy the highly revered position. His emergence came after a thorough selection process involving prominent Islamic scholars and stakeholders within the Emirate.

What makes his appointment particularly remarkable is his strong family heritage in Ilorin’s religious leadership. Sheikh Dasuki is the grandson of the 8th Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Ibrahim Dasuki Imam Fulani Agaka, and the son of the 10th Chief Imam, Sheikh Maliki bn Dasuki Agaka. His appointment therefore continues a long-standing legacy of Islamic scholarship and service within the Emirate.

Prior to his elevation, Sheikh Dasuki was widely known as the founder and proprietor of Darul Bisharah Arabic and Islamic Studies in Ilorin. He also served as the Imam of Afusat Oloriegbe Memorial Mosque, where he regularly led congregational prayers and Friday Jumu’ah services.

Beyond his mosque duties, the new Chief Imam has built a reputation as an educator and Islamic scholar. He has been actively involved in Islamic teaching, participated in religious programmes on Radio Kwara during Ramadan, and lectured at Darul Kitab College of Arabic and Islamic Studies.

His academic credentials further highlight his preparedness for the role. Sheikh Dasuki earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Islamic Shari’ah from Al-Azhar University in Cairo in 2014 and holds a Diploma in Arabic Islamic Education from Ahmadu Bello University. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Islamic Studies at Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin.

The Emir of Ilorin expressed confidence in the new Chief Imam’s ability to lead the Muslim community effectively and prayed for Allah’s guidance, wisdom, good health, and long life for him. The Emir emphasized the importance of preserving the Emirate’s rich spiritual traditions while ensuring continued progress within the Muslim Ummah.

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq also welcomed the appointment, describing Sheikh Dasuki as a worthy choice for the prestigious office. In a statement issued through his Deputy Chief Press Secretary, Moshood Agboola, the governor commended the Emir for entrusting the position to a youthful and energetic Islamic scholar.

According to the governor, the appointment reflects the Emirate’s commitment to promoting inclusive leadership capable of inspiring and mobilizing different segments of the Muslim community toward unity, development, and progress.

Governor AbdulRazaq further called on residents of the Ilorin Emirate to support the new Chief Imam, stressing the need for cooperation and collective responsibility in advancing the interests of the community.

The appointment of Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki represents a significant milestone in the religious history of Ilorin, blending a rich legacy of Islamic leadership with youthful energy, modern scholarship, and a renewed vision for the future of the Muslim Ummah.