Former Kogi governor Ibrahim Idris dies at 77

Former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, has died in the United Kingdom at the age of 77.

Idris died on Sunday, with his death confirmed to AIT by his nephew, Shehu Ahmed. Details surrounding his death were still being awaited as of press time.

Idris governed Kogi State for nearly nine years, serving from 2003 to 2012 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.

He first won the governorship election in 2003 after defeating the incumbent, Prince Abubakar Audu.

He secured a second term in 2007, but the election was later nullified following a legal challenge over the exclusion of Audu from the poll.

The Court of Appeal upheld the decision in February 2008 and ordered a fresh election. Idris subsequently won the March 2008 re-run and remained in office until January 2012.

His successor, Captain Idris Wada, took over as governor in January 2012.

Following news of his death, Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, declared three days of mourning in his honour.

Ododo also directed that the national flag be flown at half-mast during the mourning period and approved a state burial for the former governor.

Born in 1949 in Idah, Kogi State, 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 obtained a bachelor’s degree from the University of Abuja.

Before entering politics, Idris built a career in business. He founded Ibro Trading Company, with interests in construction, furniture manufacturing and hospitality.

He also established a furniture factory in Sokoto and the Ibro Hotel.

Idris attracted national attention in 2006 when three of his daughters survived the ADC Airlines Flight 53 crash.

He described their survival at the time as a “superlative show of mercy” from God and called for thanksgiving.

The former governor suffered another major family loss in April 2024 when his son, Mohammed Ibrahim Idris, died in Abuja shortly after observing Eid-el-Fitr prayers.

Mohammed was a former member of the House of Representatives representing the Ankpa, Olamaboro and Omala Federal Constituency of Kogi State.

Idris remained a significant figure in Kogi politics after leaving office, having served as governor for two terms and remained active in the Peoples Democratic Party.

His death has since drawn condolences from political figures and officials in the state.