In the early hours of Friday, May 29, 2026, a light went out in Ilorin. Sheikh Abdulqodir Muhammad Kamalud-deen Al-Adabiy, the Khalifatul Adabiyyah Worldwide and one of the most revered Islamic scholars in Nigeria, has passed away — and the grief pouring out of Kwara State, the Ilorin Emirate, and the global Ansarul Islam community tells you everything about the kind of man he was.
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| Khalifatul Adabiyyah Worldwide, Sheikh Abdulqodir Muhammad Kamalud-deen Al-Adabiy, has passed away in Ilorin on Friday, May 29, 2026. Photo: Punch Newspapers |
The News That Shook Ilorin
The cleric, who was the eldest surviving son of the late Sheikh Muhammad Kamalud-deen Al-Adaby — the first Grand Mufti of Ilorin, who died in 2005 at about 98 years of age — reportedly died in the early hours of Friday in Ilorin.
His death was confirmed in Facebook posts by prominent Ilorin-based Islamic scholar Shaykh Abdul Fatah Aribidesi and several followers of the Adabiyyah movement. By midday, the entire state was in mourning. The family of the deceased announced that the burial ceremony for the late Sheikh was held at 4:30 p.m. on Friday at Alhaji Agba House in the Okekere area of Ilorin.
The Ansarul Islam Society of Nigeria and the global Adabiyyah movement are in deep mourning following the passing of their spiritual leader.
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| The Ansarul Islam Society of Nigeria and the global Adabiyyah movement are in deep mourning following the passing of their spiritual leader. |
A Legacy Built on Faith, Service and Scholarship
The late Sheikh Abdulqodir Kamalud-deen was widely respected for sustaining the spiritual and intellectual legacy of the Adabiyyah movement founded by his father.
The Ansarul Islam Society of Nigeria Home and Abroad described the deceased as a devoted Islamic leader whose teachings and contributions greatly impacted the Muslim community and society at large. In a statement issued by the spokesperson of its Ilorin branch, Alhaji Gesua Abdulyekini, the society said the late cleric dedicated his life to the propagation of Islam and moral guidance.
He did not just inherit a title. He carried a torch — and for decades, he kept it burning.
Kwara Governor Leads the Tributes
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq mourned the Sheikh, describing him as a symbol of patience, wisdom and exemplary leadership. In a condolence statement issued by his Deputy Chief Press Secretary, Moshood Agboola, the governor extended sympathies to the Ansarul Islam family worldwide.
AbdulRazaq said the late Sheikh lived a life devoted to Islam, service to humanity and the unity of Muslims, adding: "He was a man of immense grace, exemplary patience, and love for members of the Ansarul Islam Society of Nigeria and Muslims as a whole. He was a leader who won hearts with his great qualities. His death has left a big void which will be difficult to fill."
The Emir of Ilorin Speaks
The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, described the cleric's death as a colossal loss to the Ilorin Emirate and humanity. In a condolence message issued through his spokesman Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona, the monarch said the passing of the Khalifatul Adabiyyah Worldwide was painful and heartbreaking.
"The incident is a colossal loss to the people of Ilorin Emirate and humanity in general," the Emir said, adding: "I submit totally to the will of Almighty Allah. May Allah, in His infinite mercy, grant the Khalifatul Adabiyyah absolute comfort in his grave, forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds, and admit him into Al-Jannah Firdaus."
Senator Saliu Mustapha Also Mourns
The Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, Saliu Mustapha, expressed deep sorrow over the cleric's passing, describing it as a monumental loss to the Ilorin Emirate, the Muslim Ummah and humanity at large. The lawmaker noted that Sheikh Abdulqodir devoted his life to Islamic scholarship, spiritual guidance and community service.
A Void That Will Be Difficult to Fill
The Sheikh did not chase fame. He chased purpose — and found it in every sermon he delivered, every soul he guided, and every generation he shaped through the timeless teachings of the Adabiyyah movement. His father built the foundation. He built upon it with grace, patience and an unshakeable devotion to Allah and humanity.
Today, Ilorin grieves. The Muslim Ummah grieves. And somewhere in the hearts of every life he touched, his light will continue to shine.
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un — Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return.
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