Nigeria’s Islamic community is in mourning following the death of Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, the esteemed leader of the Tijaniyya Sufi order, who passed away on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at the age of 98.
The news was confirmed by Sheikh Bauchi’s son, Sayyadi Ali Dahiru Usman Bauchi, who described his father’s life as well-spent in the service of Islam. “Sheikh has returned to his Creator. We are all from Allah, and to Him we shall return. It is time for Sheikh to rest. His life was dedicated to faith and knowledge. Alhamdulillah,” he said, adding that burial arrangements are yet to be finalized.
Bashir Ahmad, former aide to late President Muhammadu Buhari, also confirmed the scholar’s death, posting 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. May Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his noble deeds, and grant him Jannatul Firdaus. Ameen.”
Born on June 29, 1927, in East Gombe, Sheikh Bauchi memorized the Qur’an under the tutelage of his father, Alhaji Usman, and later studied under renowned scholars including Shaykh Tijani Usman Zangon-Bare-bari. He rose to become the supreme leader of the Tijaniyya order in Nigeria and served as deputy chair of the Fatwa Committee of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).
Sheikh Bauchi was married to the daughter of celebrated 20th-century Tijani scholar Sheikh Ibrahim Niasse of Senegal and had over 80 children. He dedicated his life to Islamic scholarship, spiritual guidance, and the spread of Tijaniyya teachings both in Nigeria and across West Africa.
The Bauchi State Government and the family are expected to make official statements regarding funeral arrangements. Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi’s death marks the end of a long and impactful life in Islamic education and spiritual leadership.
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