Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, a prominent Islamic scholar and leader of the Tijaniyya order in Nigeria, has died.
A former presidential aide to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, Bashir Ahmad, confirmed the death on X.
“It is with a heavy heart and complete submission to the will of Allah (SAW) that we receive the news of the passing of our revered leader, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, one of the leaders of the Tijjaniyya order in Nigeria,” he wrote.
He prayed for the deceased, adding, “May Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his noble deeds and grant him Jannatul Firdaus. Ameen.”
The deceased’s son, Sayyadi Bauchi, also confirmed the death.
“It is confirmed. Sheikh has returned to his creator. We are all from Allah and to Him we shall all return. It is time for Sheikh to rest. We thank Almighty Allah. Allah has done everything for us to spare the life of Sheikh till this time. Sheikh’s life was well spent. Alhamdulillah,” he said.
He added that he was in Madinah and could not confirm whether the remains would be buried in Abuja or Bauchi.
He died at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, after receiving visitors the previous night.
The funeral prayer is scheduled for Friday, November 28, in Bauchi in line with Islamic rites.
Sheikh Bauchi was born on June 29, 1927, in Gombe.
He was the deputy chairman of the Fatwa Committee, Islamic Scholars’ Committee of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs in Nigeria.
He married his first wife in 1948 and fathered 61 children. Many of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren are teachers of the Holy Qur’an.
In October, the Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi Foundation facilitated a fully funded scholarship for 117 beneficiaries from northern Nigeria to study in Algeria.
The scholarship was arranged through the Tijaniyya Islamic Sect in collaboration with the Algerian government.
Sheikh Bauchi spent decades promoting Islamic teachings, advancing Quranic education and mentoring students in memorisation and recitation of the Holy Qur’an.
He also engaged in humanitarian activities across Nigeria.
He was received by the late former President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House in Abuja in 2021.
In past statements, he addressed issues concerning ethnic and communal conflicts in Nigeria, including the Fulani herdsmen crisis.
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed expressed condolences through his media aide, Mukhtar Gidado.
“Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi devoted his life to the teaching of the Qur’an, propagation of Islam, and the moral and spiritual guidance of society,” the statement read.
The governor said the Bauchi State Government will continue to support Islamic education and community development in line with the Sheikh’s work.
Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda also mourned the scholar, describing him as a unifying force in Nigeria and among the Muslim Ummah.
“His departure leaves a void that will be deeply felt across generations,” Governor Radda said.
He prayed for forgiveness for the deceased and strength for his family and followers.
Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi was a recipient of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR).
