Renowned Islamic scholar, spiritual leader, and prominent figure of the Tijjaniyya order, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, has died at the age of 98. The revered cleric passed away on Thursday morning at his residence in Kofar Gombe, Bauchi metropolis, after a period of illness.

According to family sources, the late Sheikh leaves behind four wives, more than 100 children, 406 grandchildren, and over 100 great-grandchildren, marking one of the largest clerical families in Nigeria.

Early Life and Rise to Prominence

Born on June 29, 1927 (1st Muharram 1346 A.H) in Nafada—then part of the old Bauchi Province and now in Gombe State—Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi began his Islamic journey under the guidance of his father, Alhaji Usman.

He memorised the Holy Qur’an before turning 20 and later advanced his studies under several renowned scholars within and outside Nigeria. Among all his teachers, Sheikh Ibrahim Inyass (RA) had the most profound influence on his spiritual and scholarly development.

By 1948, he had launched his first Tafsir (Qur’anic exegesis) sessions in Bauchi, eventually becoming the coordinator of annual Ramadan Tafsir in both Bauchi and Kaduna States.
He later served as the Deputy Chairman of the Fatwa Committee of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.

A Scholar Revered Across Africa

Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi was widely regarded as one of the most influential Islamic scholars in West Africa. His legacy includes:

• Decades of Qur’anic teaching

• Training thousands of students in memorisation and recitation

• Leading one of the largest Tijjaniyya groups worldwide

• Promoting peaceful coexistence and spiritual discipline

He dedicated nearly a century of his life to preaching, teaching, and nurturing Islamic scholarship.

Governor Bala Mohammed Reacts

Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, expressed deep sorrow over the loss in a condolence message issued by his media aide, Mukhtar Gidado.

The governor described Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi as:

“A towering figure in Islamic scholarship, a man of deep faith, humility, and wisdom whose teachings uplifted humanity for decades.”

He extended condolences to the Sheikh’s family, followers, and the global Muslim Ummah.

Burial Scheduled for Friday

One of the scholar’s close associates, M. Daha Azhary Bauchi, confirmed that the funeral prayer will take place on Friday, 28 November 2025, in Bauchi.

Preparations are already underway, with thousands expected to attend.

National and Regional Leaders Pay Tribute

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Mourns

President Bola Tinubu described Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi as a moral guide and an exemplary teacher who served Islam diligently throughout his lifetime.

In a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the president noted:

“His passing is a monumental loss to the nation, his family, his followers, and the wider Muslim community.”

Sultan of Sokoto and JNI Pay Respects

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, through the JNI Secretary-General, Prof. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, praised the late scholar as:

• A beacon of guidance

• A defender of Islamic values

• A pillar of knowledge and spiritual leadership

JNI stated that his death leaves a void that will be difficult to fill.

Northern Governors Forum Expresses Deep Sorrow

The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, also mourned the scholar.

He described Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi as:

“A scholar of exceptional depth whose teachings shaped millions over several generations.”

He emphasized the Sheikh’s contributions to:

• Qur’anic interpretation

• Islamic jurisprudence

• Hadith studies

• Sufism and spiritual development

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin Pays Tribute

Senator Barau Jibrin, in a statement through his media adviser, Ismail Mudashir, described the Sheikh’s passing as:

“A huge vacuum that will be hard to fill.”

He highlighted the late scholar’s influence across Nigeria and beyond.

Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky Condoles With the Ummah

Leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, released a statement expressing profound sadness over the news.

He noted that the scholar’s death is:

“A heavy loss to the entire Muslim Ummah.”

Zakzaky prayed for Allah’s mercy upon the late Sheikh and comfort for his family and disciples.

Etsu Nupe Describes It as a ‘Big Loss’

The Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, called the death of Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi:

“A significant loss to Muslims worldwide.”

He described the Sheikh as:

• A fountain of knowledge

• A God-fearing leader

• A promoter of peaceful coexistence

• A benefactor who offered scholarships and spiritual guidance

Legacy of a Century-Long Journey

With nearly 100 years of devoted service to Islam, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi leaves behind an unmatched legacy in Islamic education, spiritual enlightenment, and community development.

His teachings shaped millions of Muslims, and his impact will continue to echo across generations.

May Allah grant him Jannatul Firdaus. Ameen.