Former Kogi Governor Ibrahim Idris Dies in UK at 77
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Musa Labara
Former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, has died in the United Kingdom at the age of 77.
Idris reportedly died on Sunday, September 20, 2026, in London. His death was subsequently confirmed by family sources, including his nephew, Shehu Ahmed, who confirmed the development to AIT. Reports initially said details surrounding the circumstances of his death were unclear.
The former governor, popularly known as “Ibro,” governed Kogi State from 2003 until January 2012 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), making him one of the longest-serving governors in the state’s history.
Born in 1949 in Idah, Kogi State, Idris was a businessman before entering politics. He established Ibro Trading Company, with business interests reportedly spanning construction, furniture manufacturing and hospitality. He later moved into partisan politics following Nigeria’s return to democratic rule.
Idris was elected governor of Kogi State in 2003 after defeating the incumbent governor, Abubakar Audu. He subsequently contested the 2007 governorship election, but the result was challenged in court.
Following the nullification of the 2007 election, a rerun election was held in March 2008, which Idris won. He continued as governor until January 2012, when he was succeeded by Captain Idris Wada.
During his nearly nine years in office, Idris' administration was involved in interventions across sectors including infrastructure, education and healthcare. Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, in his reaction to the former governor's death, said Idris' years in office constituted an important chapter in the political and developmental history of the state.
Following the announcement of his death, Governor Ododo visited the deceased's family at their Abuja residence alongside former Governor Yahaya Bello and other government officials to offer condolences.
The Kogi State Government has also declared three days of mourning in honour of the former governor. During the mourning period, the Nigerian and Kogi State flags are to be flown at half-mast across government offices and designated public institutions.
The state government further announced that Idris would receive a state burial, with the government taking responsibility for the burial expenses and arrangements.
In a statement issued on Monday, September 21, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed condolences to the Idris family, the government and people of Kogi State, describing the former governor's death as a significant loss. The President also acknowledged Idris' years of public service and contributions to the development of Kogi State.
The family has indicated that further information concerning the funeral rites will be made public in accordance with Islamic traditions when the deceased's remains arrive in Nigeria.
Idris' death brings to a close the public career of a prominent figure in Kogi State's political history, whose tenure spanned nearly nine years during the state's early years of the current democratic era.
