Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, the distinguished Islamic scholar and leader of the Tijjaniyyah movement in Nigeria, passed away today, Thursday, November 27, 2025, at the age of 98.
Born on June 29, 1927, Sheikh Dahiru dedicated his life to religious scholarship from an early age. He first memorized the Qur’an under the tutelage of his father, Alhaji Usman a Tijani muqaddam, before furthering his studies under notable scholars such as Shaykh Tijani Usman Zangon-Bare-bari, Shaykh Abubakar Atiku, and Shaykh Abdulqadir Zaria, eventually receiving the Tijjaniyyah Tariqah.
Until his death, he served as the deputy chairman of the Fatwa Committee of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), where he played a pivotal role in providing religious direction to the Muslim community. His influence extended well beyond Nigeria into the wider West African region. Notably, in 2009, he faced detention in Saudi Arabia during the pilgrimage, an event attributed to doctrinal friction among Nigerian Islamic factions at the time.
The Sheikh, who fathered over 80 children, was married to the daughter of the celebrated 20th-century Tijani leader, Sheikh Ibrahim Niasse. Their union was officiated by Sheikh Baba Laminu Niasse at the Ibrahim Niasse Mosque in Kaolack, Senegal. His death signifies the end of an era for the Tijjaniyyah community, drawing tributes from religious leaders and students globally