• He was a colossus, exponent of tolerance, says ex-VP
• State govt declares today public holiday to honour scholar
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have expressed deep sorrow over the passing of one of Nigeria’s most revered Islamic scholars and leader of the Tijjaniyya Muslim Brotherhood, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, who died yesterday at the age of 101.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau also expressed sorrow over the passing of the Islamic scholar.
In a statement in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the late cleric as “a moral compass who dedicated his life to teaching and preaching”.
He noted that Sheikh Bauchi’s death represents a monumental loss not only to his immediate family and followers but also to the entire nation.
President Tinubu recalled the spiritual guidance and support he received from the revered scholar, especially during the period leading up to the 2023 presidential election.
“Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi was a teacher, a father and a voice of moderation and reason. As both a preacher and a notable exegete of the Holy Qur’an, he was an advocate of peace and piety. His death has created a huge void,” he said.
The President extended heartfelt condolences to the Tijjaniyya community across Nigeria and beyond, urging the departed scholar’s followers to honour his memory by upholding the values he espoused.
He urged the followers to remain steadfast in their relationship with Almighty Allah, promote peaceful coexistence and show kindness to humanity.
Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, widely respected for his scholarship and spiritual influence, spent decades teaching Islamic jurisprudence, mentoring clerics, and providing guidance to millions of followers.
President Tinubu prayed for the repose of his soul and urged the nation to draw inspiration from the late cleric’s lifelong commitment to peace, faith, and moral discipline.
Also, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has declared today a public holiday in honour of the departed Islamic scholar.
A statement by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, explained that the work-free day is meant to allow government workers, students, followers, and the general public to participate in the funeral prayers and pay their last respects to Sheikh Bauchi.
The funeral prayer is scheduled to take place today in accordance with Islamic rites.
“This decision is a mark of respect for the late Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, whose life and legacy in Islamic scholarship, Qur’anic education, spiritual mentorship, and promotion of peace and unity have left a profound impact in Nigeria and beyond,” the statement said.
Also, Atiku, who is a chieftain of opposition platform, the the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC), described the death of Sheikh Bauchi as a devastating loss not only to the Muslim community in Nigeria but also to Africa.
In a statement yesterday in Abuja by his media office, the former Vice President said the Sheikh’s demise comes at a time his healing voice was badly needed in a country infected by religious division created by demagogues who do not mean well for Nigeria.
“Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi had frequently lent his wise voice whenever Nigeria had faced challenges of religious divisions,” he said.
The Waziri Adamawa added: “Dahiru Bauchi would be remembered for years to come because of his immeasurable contributions to the promotion of unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.”
The ADC chieftain noted that “when it comes to scholarship and learning, the late Bauchi was a colossus whose impact will be indelible in the hearts and minds of the people”.
Atiku also paid a tribute to the Tijaniyya leader, describing him as “a man who used the pulpit to promote unity and religious harmony at a time some people were busy spreading the seeds of hate and bigotry”.
He prayed to the Almighty Allah to forgive his sins and grant his soul a peaceful repose.
Also, Akpabio and Barau sent heartfelt condolences to the people and government of Bauchi State, as well as the Islamic Ummah and the family of the late Sheik Bauchi.
In a condolence message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, Senator Akpabio described the deceased as an epitome of Islamic scholarship and an embodiment of Islamic intellectual history.
“On behalf of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, my family and constituents, I wish to extend my deepest condolences to the government and people of Bauchi State, as well as the Islamic Ummah and the family of the late renowned Islamic scholar and supreme leader of the Tijaniyyah Movement, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, OFR.
“He was a committed Moslem and a custodian of the teachings of the Islamic faith. Indeed, his contributions to Islamic scholarship and leadership in the Tijaniyya Movement in Nigeria have left an indelible mark,” Akpabio said.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Alhaji Ismail Mudashir, Senator Barau described Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi’s death as “a huge vacuum that will be difficult to fill”,
The Deputy Senate President extolled the scholar’s decades of unwavering service to Islam, humanity, and the global Muslim community.
He said: “I mourn the passing of our renowned Islamic scholar and leader, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi — a great icon of Islamic scholarship whose light shone on millions of Muslims across Nigeria and beyond.
“Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi’s lifetime of service, his dedication to the Qur’an, tireless preaching, spiritual leadership over the Tijaniyya movement, and work establishing Qur’anic schools and humanitarian outreach changed lives and strengthened the faith of generations.
“His scholarship and commitment to advancing Islamic education and moral values were a beacon for millions. He was more than a scholar — he was a father, teacher, and guide to millions,” he said.
