Former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, popularly known as “Ibro” or “Baba Kogi,” has reportedly died at the age of 77.
Idris, who governed Kogi State under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), reportedly died in the United Kingdom in the early hours of Sunday, September 20, 2026. Details surrounding his death were still sketchy as of press time.
Born on April 6, 1949, Ibrahim Idris was a businessman and politician who rose from the private sector to become one of the longest-serving civilian governors in Kogi State.
He first assumed office as Governor of Kogi State on May 29, 2003, after defeating the then incumbent governor, Prince Abubakar Audu, in the governorship election.
He was re-elected in 2007, although the election was later nullified by the courts, leading to a fresh election in March 2008, which he won.
His tenure ultimately lasted for nearly nine years, from 2003 until January 2012, apart from a brief period in 2008 when Clarence Olafemi served as acting governor following the court-ordered removal of Idris from office. Idris was eventually succeeded by his brother-in-law, Captain Idris Wada, in January 2012.
Before entering politics, Idris established himself as a successful entrepreneur. He founded Ibro Trading Company and had interests spanning construction, furniture manufacturing, hospitality, property development and other commercial ventures.
He also operated businesses in Sokoto and Abuja.
His educational journey included early schooling in Onitsha and Kano before attending King’s Commercial College in Buguma, Rivers State. He later returned to formal education and studied Law at the University of Abuja.
As governor, Idris was associated with programmes in infrastructure, human-capital development and public-sector welfare.
Contemporary accounts of his administration also highlighted his efforts in settling inherited salary arrears and expanding development projects across the state.
Idris also survived a major tragedy involving the October 29, 2006 ADC Airlines Flight 53 crash, in which three of his daughters were among the survivors. He subsequently described their survival as an act of divine mercy.
The former governor remained a prominent elder statesman in Kogi affairs after leaving office. In April 2025, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, while celebrating Idris’ 76th birthday, described him as a patriotic leader and bridge-builder whose contribution to the growth and development of Kogi State remained significant.
Idris’ death, if confirmed by his family or an official source, would mark the passing of one of the most prominent political figures in Kogi State’s democratic history.
Meanwhile, the Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of a former Governor of the State, His Excellency Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, describing his passing as a profound loss to Kogi State and Nigeria.
Governor Ododo has declared a three-day period of mourning in honour of the former Governor and directed that the national flag and the Kogi State flag be flown at half-mast across government offices and other designated public institutions in the State throughout the mourning period.
Governor Ododo had earlier visited the residence of the late Alhaji. Ibrahim idris where he commiserated with members of the Idris family.
In a condolence letter addressed to the family of the late Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, Governor Ododo said the death of the former Governor had robbed the State of an eminent son who devoted a significant part of his life to the service of the people.
The Governor also declared that the late former Governor would receive a State Burial, with the Kogi State Government taking full responsibility for all burial expenses and making the necessary arrangements to accord him the honour befitting a former Governor of the State.
Alhaji Ibrahim Idris served as Governor of Kogi State from 2003 to 2011, during which he contributed significantly to the development of the State and its institutional growth.
Governor Ododo noted that the administration of the late former Governor witnessed important interventions in infrastructure, education, healthcare and other critical sectors, adding that the impact of his years in office would remain part of the developmental history of Kogi State.
According to him, beyond the projects and policies associated with his administration, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris would be remembered as a public servant who committed himself to the responsibilities entrusted to him by the people.
“His years in public office formed an important chapter in the political and developmental journey of Kogi State,” Governor Ododo said, urging the family to draw strength from the enduring memories of his service and the positive impact he made on the lives of many people.
The Governor said that while the State mourned the former Governor, his death also provided an opportunity to reflect on a life dedicated to public service and the growth of Kogi State.
On behalf of the Government and people of Kogi State, Governor Ododo extended his deepest condolences to the Idris family, friends, associates and all those who mourn the former Governor.
He prayed that Almighty Allah would forgive the shortcomings of the deceased, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and give the family and the people of Kogi State the strength to bear the irreparable loss.