New Ilorin Chief Imam urged to promote unity

The appointment of Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki Imam Fulani as the Chief Imam-designate of Ilorin Emirate has continued to attract goodwill messages from prominent Islamic scholars and leaders across Nigeria, reflecting the significance of the position within the country’s Muslim community.

Among those who have extended their congratulations is Fadeelatus-Sheikh Abdul-Mu’min Shehu Usman, the first Muqaddamul Wai’zeen of Oyo State, who described the appointment as a well-deserved recognition of Sheikh Fulani’s years of service, scholarship, and commitment to Islamic teachings.

In a statement issued from Ogbomoso, Sheikh Usman praised the new Imam-designate for his dedication to the Qur’an and Sunnah, noting that the role of Chief Imam extends beyond leading prayers to providing spiritual guidance and promoting unity among Muslims.

“It is with a heart brimming with joy and gratitude to Allah that I, Fadeelatus-Sheikh Abdul-Mu’min Shehu Usman, Muqaddamul Wai’zeen of Oyo State, write to rejoice with you, your esteemed family, the Ulama Council of Ilorin, and the entire Muslim Ummah on your appointment as the Grand Chief Imam of Ilorin Emirate by the Emir of Ilorin,” he stated.

While celebrating the appointment, Sheikh Usman also offered words of advice, urging the incoming Chief Imam to use his new position as a platform for strengthening harmony and cooperation within the Muslim community.

According to him, the Muslim Ummah needs leaders who can inspire peace, encourage development, and unite people around common values and goals.

“I humbly implore you to use this blessed position to promote unity among the Ummah. Champion progress and development. Encourage education, skills, entrepreneurship, and service to humanity. Let our mosques be centers of knowledge, welfare, and solutions for our people’s challenges,” he advised.

The respected cleric stressed that religious institutions should play a greater role in addressing societal challenges by promoting learning, supporting community welfare, and nurturing the next generation of responsible citizens.

He also offered prayers for divine guidance and wisdom as Sheikh Fulani prepares to assume the revered position.

“May Allah make you an Imam of guidance and a lamp in darkness. Unite the Muslims through you, soften their hearts, make your opinion sound, and bless your knowledge, deeds, life and offspring. Make you a key to good for the Ummah and a lock against evil. Ameen,” he prayed.

Sheikh Usman further noted that Ilorin occupies a unique place in Nigeria’s Islamic history and remains widely respected as a centre of scholarship, learning, and religious leadership. He expressed confidence that the Emirate would continue to flourish under the leadership of Sheikh Fulani.

“The eyes of Nigeria and beyond are on Ilorin today. We trust that under your leadership, Ilorin Emirate will shine brighter as a beacon of scholarship, peace, and progress,” he said.

The Oyo-based cleric also emphasized the importance of collaboration among Islamic scholars and institutions across the country, pledging his support and prayers for the success of the new Imam-designate.

“The bond between other cities and Ilorin Ulamā’ remains strong, and I pledge my sincere du’as and cooperation for the sake of Islam,” he affirmed.

Observers say the call for unity comes at a crucial time when Nigeria continues to grapple with social, ethnic, and religious divisions. Many believe that religious leaders have an important role to play in fostering peace, promoting understanding, and encouraging social development within their communities.

As preparations continue for the formal assumption of office by Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki Imam Fulani, the congratulatory message from Sheikh Abdul-Mu’min Shehu Usman serves as both a celebration of a remarkable appointment and a reminder of the enormous responsibility that comes with spiritual leadership.

For many within and beyond Ilorin Emirate, the expectation is clear: that the new Chief Imam will build on the city’s rich legacy of Islamic scholarship while promoting unity, progress, and service to humanity.