Former Kogi State Governor, Ibrahim Idris, has died at the age of 77, with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo declaring three days of mourning in his honour.
Idris reportedly died in the United Kingdom on Sunday, September 20, 2026. The Kogi State Government confirmed the death and announced a series of measures to honour the former governor.
As part of the mourning period, Ododo directed that the Nigerian national flag and the Kogi State flag be flown at half-mast across government offices and other designated public institutions in the state.
The governor also announced that Idris would receive a state burial, with the Kogi State Government taking responsibility for the burial expenses and arrangements.
Ododo had earlier visited the family of the deceased in Abuja to offer his condolences.
In his condolence message, the governor described Idris as an eminent son of Kogi who devoted a significant part of his life to public service.
.
advertisement
Ododo also highlighted areas including infrastructure, education and healthcare, saying Idris’ administration contributed to the development and institutional growth of the state.
The circumstances surrounding Idris’ death have not been publicly detailed by the state government. Some reports have mentioned a prolonged illness, but no official cause of death had been announced as of Sunday.
Who Was Ibrahim Idris?Born in 1949 in Idah, Kogi State, Ibrahim Idris began his early education in Onitsha, Anambra State, before completing his primary education in Kano.
He later attended King’s Commercial College in Buguma, Rivers State, and studied law at the University of Abuja.
Before entering politics, Idris was a businessman with interests in construction, furniture manufacturing and hospitality. He founded Ibro Trading Company and was also associated with businesses in the hospitality and furniture sectors.
Idris became governor of Kogi State in 2003 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party and remained in office until January 2012.
His 2007 re-election was challenged in court, leading to a fresh election in March 2008, which Idris won. He subsequently completed his tenure and handed over to Captain Idris Wada in January 2012.
Further details on the former governor’s burial arrangements are expected to be announced by the Kogi State Government and his family.