GLOBAL TIJANIYYA COUNCIL CONDOLES TINUBU OVER DEATH OF SHEIKH DAHIRU BAUCHI
Delegation from Algeria, Nigeria, Senegal represents over 400 million Tijaniyya adherents worldwide
By The Analyst Online Media
The Supreme Council of Tijaniyya Worldwide has paid a condolence visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following the death of Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, the renowned Islamic scholar and former leader of the Tijaniyya Islamic organisation in Nigeria.
The delegation, which comprised representatives from Algeria, Nigeria and Senegal, was led by the Khalifa of Tijaniyya from Algeria, Sheikh Ali Bin Arabi. Members of the Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi Foundation, led by Khalifa-Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, were also part of the delegation.
The council said its delegation represented the global Tijaniyya community, which it described as having more than 400 million adherents worldwide.
Sheikh Ali Bin Arabi delivered the condolence message during the visit to President Tinubu at the State House in Abuja.
According to a statement issued by the President’s spokesman, Sunday Dare, the Algerian Tijaniyya leader used the occasion to underscore the longstanding spiritual and cultural ties between Nigeria and Algeria.
He noted the similarities between the two countries, particularly in their social and economic relationships, while expressing optimism that the spiritual bond between Nigeria and Algeria would continue to grow.
“We will continue to pray for the sustenance of the spiritual relationship between Nigeria and Algeria,” Sheikh Ali Bin Arabi said.
He also offered prayers for peace and love in Nigeria, as well as the physical and spiritual wellbeing of President Tinubu.
Tinubu: ‘We Miss Our Father, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi’
Responding to the delegation, President Tinubu expressed appreciation for the condolence visit and acknowledged the profound influence of the late Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi.
The President described the late Islamic scholar as a beloved father and a great leader whose presence would be deeply missed.
“We miss our father, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi. He was a beloved father and a great leader,” President Tinubu said.
The condolence visit further highlighted the international dimension of Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi’s religious influence and the significance of his death within the Tijaniyya community, particularly across West Africa.
The presence of senior Tijaniyya representatives from Algeria, Senegal and Nigeria also underscored the transnational character of the Islamic organisation and the longstanding religious connections linking communities across the region.
For Nigeria, the passing of Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi marks the loss of one of the country's most prominent Islamic scholars and spiritual figures, whose religious activities attracted a large following both within and beyond the country.
The Tijaniyya community continues to mourn the cleric, while prayers are being offered for the repose of his soul and for peace, unity and stability among his followers and the wider Muslim community.