Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Friday joined thousands of mourners in Bauchi for the funeral prayers of Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, the revered Islamic scholar and leader of the Tijjaniyya movement in sub-Saharan Africa, who passed away on Thursday.
Leading a delegation to the Janaza prayer held at the Bauchi Central Eid Ground, Atiku described the late scholar as “a spiritual colossus whose life was devoted to the service of Allah and humanity.”
In a statement shared on his X handle, Atiku said, “It was with a heavy heart that I joined other distinguished leaders and sympathisers today to bid farewell to an Islamic scholar of global renown.”
He highlighted the cleric’s lifelong dedication to Islamic scholarship, noting that Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi spent nearly seven decades delivering annual Ramadan Tafsir and shaping generations with his deep knowledge of the Qur’an.
Speaking on their personal relationship, Atiku added, “I have known him closely and benefited immensely from his wisdom. His counsel was always sincere, peaceful, and rooted in deep understanding.”
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, lawmakers, traditional rulers, Islamic scholars from across West Africa, and leaders of various Sufi orders were among the dignitaries present at the burial.
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Atiku said that although Sheikh Dahiru’s passing ends an era of direct influence through teaching and mentoring, his legacy will continue through his children and countless students.
“I have no doubt that many of his offspring and disciples will carry forward the torch of knowledge, integrity, and peace-building that he represented,” he said.
He extended condolences to the Tijjaniyya community, the government and people of Bauchi State, and the entire Muslim Ummah, calling the loss “immeasurable.”
“May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds, grant him Jannatul Firdaus, and give his family and followers the strength to bear this great loss,” Atiku prayed.
