Former Kogi State Governor Ibrahim Idris has died at the age of 77.
Idris died in the United Kingdom on Sunday, September 20, 2026. His death has prompted an official mourning period in Kogi State.
Governor Usman Ododo has declared three days of mourning in honour of the former governor.
He also ordered the Nigerian and Kogi State flags to fly at half-mast across government offices and designated public institutions during the mourning period.
The Ibrahim Idris dies development has also drawn condolences from political figures and other Nigerians.
Ibrahim Idris’ Years in Office
Idris governed Kogi State under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He became governor in 2003 and remained in office until January 2012. He initially won the 2003 governorship election before returning to the polls after a court nullified his 2007 election victory.
Idris won the March 2008 re-run election and completed his tenure.
Captain Idris Wada succeeded him as Kogi governor in January 2012.
Business Career Before Politics
Before entering politics, Idris built a career in business.
He founded Ibro Trading Company, with interests in construction, furniture manufacturing and hospitality.
His business ventures included a furniture factory in Sokoto and the Ibro Hotel.
Idris was born in 1949 in Idah, Kogi State. He had part of his early education in Onitsha and later Kano.
He subsequently attended King’s Commercial College in Buguma, Rivers State, and obtained a bachelor’s degree in Law from the University of Abuja.
Kogi Declares Three Days of Mourning
Following the former governor’s death, Governor Ododo visited the Idris family in Abuja to offer his condolences.
The governor described the death as a major loss to Kogi State and Nigeria.
Ododo also announced that the late governor would receive a state burial. The Kogi State Government said it would take full responsibility for the burial expenses and arrangements.
According to the governor, Idris’ administration recorded interventions in infrastructure, education, healthcare and other sectors.
Ododo said the former governor’s years in public office formed an important part of Kogi State’s political and developmental history.
Ibrahim Idris’ Family Losses
The Ibrahim Idris dies story comes more than two years after the death of his son, Mohammed Ibrahim Idris.
Mohammed, a former member of the House of Representatives, died in Abuja in April 2024.
Further details on the burial arrangements are expected from the family and the Kogi State Government.
The death of Ibrahim Idris comes as Nigeria continues to mourn other prominent figures who have recently passed away. Nollywood veteran Olu Jacobs also died at 84, prompting tributes from colleagues and admirers across the country.