Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, came to a standstill on Tuesday as thousands of mourners converged on the forecourt of the Emir of Ilorin’s palace for the final burial rites of the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Saliu. The respected Islamic scholar and spiritual leader was laid to rest amid prayers, tears, and a heavy atmosphere of grief that swept across the ancient city.

From the early hours of the day, major roads leading to the Emir’s palace were filled with worshippers, clerics, traditional rulers, and residents who came to pay their last respects. Shops around the palace remained shut, while vehicular movement slowed significantly as the crowd continued to swell, reflecting the deep influence Sheikh Saliu held within Ilorin and beyond.

The burial prayers were conducted in line with Islamic rites, shortly after the arrival of the late cleric’s body at the palace. Senior Islamic scholars led the prayers, while verses from the Holy Qur’an echoed across the palace grounds. Many mourners were visibly emotional, with some struggling to hold back tears as prayers were offered for the repose of the Chief Imam’s soul.

The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, was present at the ceremony, alongside members of the Ilorin Emirate Council. In a brief address, the Emir described Sheikh Saliu as a pillar of faith, wisdom, and peace whose life was devoted to the service of Islam and the unity of the Ilorin community. He urged residents to uphold the values of humility, tolerance, and righteousness that the late Chief Imam preached throughout his lifetime.

Security operatives were deployed around the palace to manage the crowd and ensure order, as dignitaries from within and outside Kwara State joined ordinary residents for the solemn event. Despite the large turnout, the atmosphere remained calm and reverent, with mourners united in prayer.

Tributes have continued to pour in from Islamic organizations, scholars, and political leaders, all acknowledging the late Chief Imam’s contributions to religious harmony and community development. Sheikh Saliu was widely known for his calm disposition, firm stance on moral teachings, and commitment to peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths.

For decades, he served as a guiding voice on religious matters in Ilorin, offering counsel to leaders and mentoring younger clerics. Many residents recall his sermons as deeply reflective, often centered on compassion, justice, and personal accountability. His role during critical moments in the city’s history further cemented his reputation as a unifying figure.

Among the mourners were former students and protégés of the late cleric, some of whom described him as a father figure whose guidance shaped their lives. “He taught us not just religion, but character,” one mourner said quietly at the palace grounds.

As news of his passing spread, condolence messages flooded social media, with users sharing memories, quotes, and prayers. Many described the day of his burial as one of the most emotional moments Ilorin has witnessed in recent years, underscoring the vacuum his death has created within the Islamic community.

Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Saliu is survived by his family, students, and a wide circle of followers who continue to uphold his teachings. As Ilorin gradually returns to normal activities, the memory of the Chief Imam’s life of service remains firmly etched in the hearts of the people.