Inna LilLahi wa Inna Ilaihi Raji’un!
I join millions of people across the world to mourn the transition of Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi. Though known originally to be from Bauchi State, the Sheikh had a clear and dominant spiritual presence in Kaduna where several mosques have been built and named in his honour.
Sheikh Dahiru was an authority in Tafsir, the interpretation of the glorious Quran, and a man of deep knowledge of Islamic jurisprudence, the religious sciences, and Eastern philosophy.
In my many interactions with him, I saw a man of great wisdom and immense spiritual depth, that I personally revered and learnt from. We didn’t agree all the time, but his points of view were carefully debated and appreciated, as his integrity was beyond reproach.
My colleagues in the Kaduna State government between 2015 and 2023 recognized and appreciated Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi as a foremost Islamic scholar, community leader, and guiding light of the Tijjaniyya branch of Sufi Islam in Nigeria and Africa. Tijjaniyya is one of our largest religious movements in the world in which the late sage taught, led and inspired tens of millions of adherents across several generations.
From his enviable base in Kaduna, he became an Islamic and philosophical institution across Nigeria and Africa and was respected indisputably as a spiritual leader of knowledge and integrity. His life was an example of humility and impeccable leadership.
My deep condolences therefore go to his immediate family, His Royal Highness, Muhammadu Sanusi Ii, the Khalifa and paramount leader of Tijjaniyya in Nigeria and beyond, the government and people of Bauchi State, and all of the late Sheikh’s followers in Kaduna State, and worldwide.
May Allah comfort his family and followers, and grant him Aljanna Firdaus. Amin.
Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai
Kaduna, 27 Nov 2025