By Obinna Uballa
The Islamic scholarly community and Nigeria at large have been thrown into mourning following the death of Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, a leading figure in the Tijaniyya Sufi movement in Nigeria. He passed away on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at the age of 98.
News of his passing began circulating early Thursday morning and was confirmed by Bashir Ahmad, a former aide to the late President Muhammadu Buhari. In a post on X, Ahmad described the loss as a profound blow to the Nigerian Muslim community.
“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, one of the leaders of the Tijjaniyya order in Nigeria,” Ahmad wrote. He prayed for the late scholar, asking Allah to forgive his shortcomings, accept his noble deeds, and grant him Jannatul Firdaus.
The deceased’s son, Sayyadi Ali Dahiru Usman Bauchi, also confirmed the death to Daily Trust, stating: “It is confirmed. Sheikh has returned to his Creator. We are all from Allah, and to Him we shall all return. It is time for Sheikh to rest. His life was well spent. Alhamdulillah.” Sayyadi Ali noted that he was in Madinah at the time and could not confirm the burial location, which may be in Abuja or Bauchi.
Born on June 29, 1927, in East Gombe, Northern Region of Nigeria, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi was a towering figure in Islamic scholarship. He memorised the Qur’an under the tutelage of his father, Alhaji Usman, and studied under several prominent scholars, including Shaykh Tijani Usman Zangon-Bare-bari, Shaykh Abubakar Atiku, and Shaykh Abdulqadir Zaria. He eventually became the supreme leader of the Tijaniyya movement in Nigeria and served as deputy chair of the Fatwa Committee of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).
Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi was renowned for his piety, scholarship, and commitment to the propagation of Islamic knowledge. He married the daughter of Sheikh Ibrahim Niasse, a distinguished Tijani scholar of Senegal, and was blessed with over 80 children.
The Bauchi State Government and the family are yet to announce official funeral arrangements. His death marks the end of an era for the Tijaniyya community in Nigeria and leaves a profound void in Islamic scholarship and leadership.
