Dahiru Bauchi’s funeral prayer: Bauchi govt declares today work-free

By Olaide Ayinde

The Bauchi state government has declared today, Friday, Nov, 28, work-free day to honour the revered Islamic scholar, Dahiru Usman-Bauchi., who died on Thursday.

The gesture would enable public and private sector workers, students and residents of the state, to participate in the funeral prayer and pay their last respect to the late scholar, Mukhtar Gidado, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, to Gov. Bala Mohammed, said in a statement on Thursday in Bauchi.

According to the statement, the funeral prayer is billed to hold on Friday by 3:00 p.m. at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi.

Dahiru Bauchi, leader of the Tijjaniyya Muslim Brotherhood and one of Nigeria’s most influential Islamic scholars, died on Thursday at the age of 101.
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In his tribute, President Bola Tinubu described Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, as “a moral compass whose life was devoted to teaching, preaching and guiding society.”
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‎‎In a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President said the late scholar’s passing was a monumental loss to his family, followers and the nation.
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‎He said “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.”
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‎The President recalled the blessings and moral support he received from the late Sheikh during the 2023 election and noted that the scholar’s influence extended across the country and beyond.
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‎Tinubu condoled with the Tijjaniyya community and urged followers of the late cleric to honour his memory by upholding his teachings on peaceful coexistence, devotion to God and kindness to humanity.

Also, the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) in a condolence message by the Chairman of the forum and Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya, said the late leader played key roles in promoting peace in the country.

In the message, issued by Yahaya’s Media Aide, Mr Ismaila Uba-Misilli on Thursday in Gombe, the governors described the late Sheikh as “a scholar of exceptional depth whose life, teachings and spiritual guidance touched millions across generations.”

He noted that Dahiru Bauchi devoted his century-long life to the propagation of Islamic knowledge, contributing to the understanding of the Holy Qur’an, Hadith, Islamic jurisprudence and deeper spiritual dimensions of Sufism.

He added that “Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi was a scholar of exceptional depth and humility. His mastery of Islamic texts, coupled with his remarkable spiritual insight, distinguished him as a true guide for Muslims within and beyond Nigeria.

“His teachings enriched countless lives and will continue to illuminate generations to come.”

The NSGF chairman said the late Tijjaniyya leader played an indispensable role in promoting peace, unity, tolerance and moral discipline, values that he embodied throughout his life.

“Shekhi’s commitment to nurturing moral and spiritual values helped to shape the character of his followers, his children and the Ummah in general.

“His centenary journey was a testimony to a life lived in service to Allah, to humanity, and to the pursuit of righteousness.”

He extended the condolences of the Northern Governors’ Forum to the family of the deceased, the Tijjaniyya community and the entire Muslim Ummah over this monumental loss.

He prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the eminent scholar eternal rest and reward his lifetime of devotion with Aljannat Firdaus.