10 things to know about Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki, new chief Imam of Ilorin

Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki has been appointed as the 13th Chief Imam of Ilorin Emirate, succeeding the late Alhaji (Dr.) Muhammad Bashir Imam, who died in January 2026.

His appointment, approved by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, comes after a rigorous selection process involving prominent Islamic scholars.

At 42, Sheikh Dasuki is one of the youngest occupants of the revered office and is widely respected for his scholarship, teaching, and religious leadership.

Here are 10 things to know about the new Chief Imam of Ilorin.

1. He is the 13th Chief Imam of Ilorin

Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki was appointed as the 13th Chief Imam of Ilorin Emirate, filling the vacancy created by the death of the late Chief Imam, Alhaji (Dr.) Muhammad Bashir Imam.

2. He emerged through a competitive selection process

The new Chief Imam was selected after a rigorous screening and selection exercise that involved several respected Islamic scholars seeking the prestigious position.

3. He is one of the youngest Chief Imams in Ilorin’s history

At 42 years old, Sheikh Dasuki becomes one of the youngest individuals ever appointed to lead the Muslim community in the Ilorin Emirate.

4. He comes from a renowned family of Islamic scholars

His appointment continues a long family tradition of Islamic leadership.

He 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.

5. He founded an Islamic educational institution

Before becoming Chief Imam, Sheikh Dasuki established Darul Bisharah Arabic and Islamic Studies in Egbejila, Ilorin, where he has played a key role in nurturing students in Islamic education.

6. He served as a mosque Imam

He was the Imam of Afusat Oloriegbe Memorial Mosque in Oko-Olowo, Ilorin, where he led daily prayers and delivered weekly Friday sermons.

7. He is a familiar voice on Islamic radio programmes

Sheikh Dasuki is well known for presenting the Al-Bisharah Islamic Foundation Ramadan programme on Radio Kwara, through which he reached a wider audience with Islamic teachings.

8. He is actively involved in teaching

Beyond mosque leadership, he teaches at Darul Kitab College of Arabic and Islamic Studies, Gaa Akanbi, Ilorin, where he contributes to the development of future Islamic scholars.

9. He studied at prestigious institutions

He obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Islamic Shari’ah from Al-Azhar University in 2014 and also earned a Diploma in Arabic Islamic Education from Ahmadu Bello University.

He attended Darul Kitab wa Sunnah and Oke Suna LGEA Primary School in Ilorin.

10. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree

Despite attaining one of the highest religious offices in Ilorin, Sheikh Dasuki remains committed to academic advancement and is currently studying for a Master’s degree in Islamic Studies at Al-Hikmah University.

His appointment has been welcomed by leaders across Kwara State, with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq describing him as a fitting choice for the position and expressing confidence in his ability to provide spiritual guidance, promote unity, and preserve the rich Islamic heritage of the Ilorin Emirate.