The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammed Bashir Fulani, who passed away on Monday, January 19, 2026, at the age of 75.

In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the Kwara State Chapter of NIPR, Mr Gabriel Ogunade, and the General Secretary, Mr Abdul Rahman Sanni, the institute described the cleric’s death as a major loss to the Ilorin Emirate, the Muslim Ummah, Kwara State and Nigeria as a whole.

Sheikh Muhammed Bashir Fulani, who was appointed Chief Imam of Ilorin in 1983, devoted more than four decades to the service of Islam, providing spiritual guidance and promoting peace, tolerance and moral uprightness in society.

The institute noted that the late Chief Imam was widely respected for his depth of knowledge, humility and steadfast commitment to truth and justice, adding that he served as a unifying figure whose sermons and counsel transcended religious boundaries.

According to the statement, his leadership contributed significantly to peaceful coexistence and communal harmony in Ilorin and beyond, while his life exemplified selfless service, devotion to God and compassion for humanity.

The Kwara State Chapter of NIPR extended its condolences to the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, the Ilorin Emirate Council, the family of the deceased, the Council of Ulamas and the entire Muslim community.

The institute prayed that Allah grants them the strength to bear the loss and forgives the shortcomings of the late cleric, rewarding his good deeds with Al-Jannatul Firdaus.