Former Kogi Governor Ibrahim Idris Dies at 77, Bamidele Suru Pays Tribute
Former Kogi Governor Ibrahim Idris has died at 77. Former Commissioner Bamidele Olusanya Suru mourns the late governor, describing his leadership legacy as enduring.
LOKOJA, Kogi State
Former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, has died at the age of 77, with tributes beginning to pour in following the death of the former governor.
Idris, popularly known as “Ibro,” reportedly died in the United Kingdom on Sunday, September 20, 2026. Reports on his death emerged earlier in the day, and has now been confirmed by KogiOnline.Ng.
Idris served as Governor of Kogi State from 2003 to 2012, with his tenure interrupted following a court decision that affected the 2007 governorship election. He returned to office after a rerun election in 2008 and remained governor until January 2012.
One of the early tributes came from Bamidele Olusanya Suru, Esq., MCIArb (UK), a former Kogi State Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development who served between 2003 and 2006 during the Idris administration.
In his condolence message, Suru described the death of the former governor as a profound shock, recalling the influence Idris had on those who served under his administration.
Suru said the late governor’s contribution to human resource development and leadership had left an enduring legacy, adding that he was among those who benefited from Idris’ leadership and mentorship.
According to him, Idris instilled in members of his administration the values of the fear of God, honesty and responsible governance.
“Your Excellency, the news of your demise came as a rude shock,” Suru said in his tribute, recalling the leadership principles he associated with the former governor.
He expressed condolences to the immediate family of the deceased and members of what he described as the “Ibro family,” noting that his own association with the late governor remained a significant part of his public service experience.
Suru also recalled the personal rapport he shared with the former governor, noting that Idris affectionately referred to him as “Your Solid Solid” during meetings.
He prayed that Almighty Allah forgive the shortcomings of the former governor and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus, while asking God to grant his family, associates and other mourners the strength to bear his death.
The late Idris was also a businessman with interests in different sectors and remained a prominent figure in Kogi’s political history after leaving office. In April 2026, a profile published by Democracy Newsline reported that he marked his 77th birthday and described him at the time as hale and hearty.
The report of his death therefore marks a significant development in the political history of Kogi State, particularly for those who served during his administration and the wider political community associated with the former governor.
Details surrounding his death and funeral arrangements were still emerging as of the time of filing this report.