Arewa Consultative Forum, Northern Elders Mourn Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi

The apex northern sociocultural group, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), and Northern Elders Forum (NEF) have expressed deep sorrow over the passing of one of Nigeria’s most revered Islamic scholars, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi.

The cleric, widely regarded as an emblem of tolerance, peace, and national unity, died on 27 November 2027.

ACF in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur A. Muhammad-Baba, also described the late Sheikh as “renowned, highly respected, knowledgeable and influential”, noting that his death represents a monumental loss not only to the Tijjaniya Islamic movement but also to Nigeria and the broader West African region.

According to ACF, Sheikh Bauchi, a towering figure in Islamic scholarship, was known for his unwavering advocacy of religious tolerance, peaceful co-existence, and national cohesion. His voice resonated powerfully across public policy debates, religious and secular education reforms, and social harmony initiatives, and he was a prominent figure in leading religious bodies, including Jama’tul Nasril Islam (JNI), the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), and the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC).

Also, the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) on Sunday expressed deep sorrow over the passing of renowned Islamic scholar and spiritual icon, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, who died at the age of 98.

His death has plunged Nigeria, Africa, and the global Muslim community into mourning, with tributes pouring in for a man widely regarded as one of the most influential religious figures of his generation.
In a statement by the NEF spokesperson, Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere, the Forum described Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi as “a guiding light, a father to the Ummah, a refuge for the troubled, and a voice of truth,” noting that his compassion and wisdom touched countless lives.

According to the Forum, his passing is not just the loss of a revered scholar but “the fading of a rare, radiant star whose brilliance shaped generations.”

Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi was celebrated for decades as one of the strongest pillars of faith, humility, and modesty in the Muslim world. His teachings, prayers, and leadership provided comfort to families, direction to communities, and inspiration to leaders across the continent. His unwavering dedication to peace, justice, and unity earned him admiration far beyond Nigeria’s borders.

He said: “The intellectual and spiritual world of Islam stands quieter, dimmer, and deeply wounded. The Northern Elders Forum extends its sincerest condolences to his bereaved family, to His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to the Government and people of Bauchi State, to the entire Muslim Ummah, and to every Nigerian whose life has been touched by his teachings.”

The Forum extended heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Government and people of Bauchi State, the entire Muslim Ummah, and every Nigerian influenced by his teachings.

He added, “We mourn not only a leader but a father, a bridge-builder, and a symbol of hope. In this moment of profound national grief, the Convener and Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Northern Elders Forum, Prof. Ango Abdullahi CON, together with the Chairman, Management Board, Air Marshal Al-Amin Daggash, CFR, rtd, also extend their deepest and most heartfelt condolences.”

In a further expression of grief, the Convener and Chairman of NEF’s Board of Trustees, Prof. Ango Abdullahi, along with the Chairman of the Management Board, Air Marshal Al-Amin Daggash CFR (rtd), also conveyed their condolences.

They described Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi’s death as “a loss of immeasurable magnitude” whose impact reaches far beyond his immediate followers.

The NEF leadership asked Almighty Allah to grant the family strength, envelop the Ummah in mercy and patience, and give the nation resilience to bear the loss of “a father, a teacher, and a luminous spiritual presence whose absence will be felt for generations.”

The Forum commended Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi’s lifelong dedication to strengthening the bonds of humanity, fostering interfaith harmony, promoting peaceful coexistence, and advocating for compassion and understanding.

He calmed tensions, his presence united communities, and his legacy will remain a powerful testament to sincerity and faith.

They pray for Allah’s mercy upon him, asking that his grave be expanded and that he be granted the highest place in Jannatul Firdausi among the righteous and truthful.

He said that it has lost a treasure; the Muslim Ummah has lost a pillar; and humanity has lost a guiding light.

Also, the family and followers of the late Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi have formally declared Shariff Ibrahim Saleh Al’husaini as the leader of the Tijjaniyya Order in Nigeria, reaffirming their full allegiance to him.

The announcement was made by the Sheikh’s eldest son, Sheikh Ibrahim Dahiru Bauchi, during a condolence visit by Sharif Saleh’s delegation to the family on Sunday. The delegation included the Chief Imam of the National Mosque, Prof. Ibrahim Ahmad Makari.

According to Sheikh Ibrahim, the decision aligns with the will left behind by Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, who instructed that once he was dead, Sharif Saleh should lead his funeral prayer and be obeyed in all matters of religion. He emphasised that leadership within the Tijjaniyya order is a serious matter, and that Sharif Saleh stands as the most senior and respected authority in the country.

He further appealed to Sharif Saleh to guide them in all affairs in the future, stating that from now on, all matters concerning the family and the movement would require his approval as the recognised Khalifa of Tijjaniyya in Nigeria.

Sheikh Ibrahim also spoke of the deep bond between his late father and Sharif Saleh, describing their friendship and spiritual relationship as unmatched. He urged members of the community to unite and remain loyal to the Khalifa for their well-being in this world and the hereafter.

In his remarks, Prof. Ibrahim Ahmad Makari noted that no one feels the loss of Sheikh Dahiru more deeply than Sharif Saleh, given their long-standing closeness in both faith and friendship.

It will be recalled that Sharif Saleh led the funeral rites of Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi last Friday.