Nigeria has lost one of its most revered Islamic scholars Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, a prominent leader of the Tijjaniyya Sufi order, passed away in the early hours of Thursday at the age of 98.
The news of his death was confirmed by former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, who announced the development in a heartfelt Facebook post.
“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… May Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his noble deeds and grant him Jannatul Firdaus. Ameen,” Ahmad wrote.
Born on June 29, 1927, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi rose to become one of the most influential Islamic clerics in Nigeria and across West Africa. Details surrounding his death remain sketchy as the family and the Tijjaniyya community await an official statement.
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A custodian of deep Islamic knowledge, Sheikh Dahiru memorised the entire Qur’an at a young age under the tutelage of his father, Alhaji Usman, who was himself a respected Tijani muqaddam. His quest for knowledge saw him study under notable scholars including Shaykh Tijani Usman Zangon-Bare-bari, Shaykh Abubakar Atiku, and Shaykh Abdulqadir Zaria.
Throughout his lifetime, he remained a towering figure in Islamic scholarship, spiritual guidance, and religious leadership. Until his passing, he served as the Deputy Chairman of the Fatwa Committee of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), shaping religious discourse and offering guidance to millions of followers.
Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi’s death marks the end of an era for the Tijjaniyya order in Nigeria, leaving behind a legacy of devotion, scholarship, and unwavering commitment to the propagation of Islam.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in due course. May Allah grant him eternal peace.