Thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond converged on Bauchi State to pay their final respects to the revered Islamic scholar and global spiritual leader of the Tijjaniyya movement, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi.
The eminent cleric, who passed away at the age of 98, was laid to rest shortly after funeral prayers were observed at 4:45 p.m. at the Emir of Bauchi’s Eid Ground, in accordance with Islamic rites.
Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi is remembered for his lifelong commitment to Qur’anic scholarship, peaceful spiritual teaching, philanthropy, and decades of mentorship to countless disciples.
The funeral prayer was led by the distinguished scholar, Sheikh Ibrahim Saleh Al-Hussaini and attracted an array of high-profile dignitaries from across the country.
Nigerian Government delegation was headed by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima and former Vice-President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, while several serving Governors were also present.
The Personalities present a the funeral were; Governors Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed of Bauchi State, Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, Mohammed Bago of Niger State and Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, who is also the Chairman of Northern States Governors’ Forum.
Millions of Sheikh Dahiru’s followers, both within Nigeria and across Africa joined in prayers, physically and remotely, after news of his passing spread.
The immense turnout in Bauchi underscored ‘his towering legacy as one of the most influential leaders of the Tijjaniyya Sufi Order.’
Governor Yahaya arrived earlier in the day to join the large gathering of mourners, including traditional rulers, such as the Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, who led a distinguished delegation to honour the late Sheikh.
Also present at the Janazah were prominent Islamic scholars from across the region, including, Khalifa Aliyu Abdulfathi, Khalifa of Sheikh Ahmad Abulfathi Maiduguri, Khalifa Fatihu Sheil Gibrima, Khalifa Sha’aban Khalifa, successor of Shehu Manzo Gombe, Shehu Naziru Idris Gombe, Sheik Ibrahim Ahmad Maqari, Chief Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja.
Each of the dignitaries arrived with their entourages, reflecting the profound respect and spiritual influence the late Sheikh commanded throughout the Muslim world.
As the sun set over Bauchi on Friday evening, the scholar was finally laid to rest amid heartfelt prayers, Qur’anic recitations, and deep expressions of gratitude for a life spent in dedicated service to Islam and humanity.
Confidence Okwuchi