Yahaya Bello Mourns Former Kogi Governor Ibrahim Idris »

Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has expressed sadness over the death of former governor of the state, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, describing him as a remarkable personality whose life and relationships touched many people.

Idris, who died on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at the age of 77, served as Kogi State governor from 2003 to 2012. Reports said he died in the United Kingdom, while his family subsequently confirmed his death.

In a condolence message issued by his media office on Sunday, Bello said the death of the former governor marked the end of a life devoted significantly to public service and the advancement of Kogi State.

Idris was born on April 6, 1949, and became governor in 2003. He was re-elected in 2007, although the election was later nullified by the courts, before he returned to office after a re-run in 2008. He remained governor until January 2012.

Bello said Idris would be remembered not only for the political office he occupied but also for his personal qualities and relationships.

“He was a calm and peace-loving individual who valued relationships and preferred understanding to confrontation,” Bello said, according to the statement.

The former governor added that Idris’ warmth, generosity and accessibility endeared him to colleagues, associates, friends and others who encountered him during his lifetime.

Bello said Idris treated relationships as something worth preserving and was, to many who knew him, a man who valued friendship, peace and goodwill.

“Those who had the privilege of knowing him personally will remember not only the public office he occupied, but also the conversations, kindness, laughter, counsel and moments shared with him,” he said.

Bello noted that the death had left Kogi State mourning a former governor, while members of Idris’ family, friends and associates were mourning a father, brother, friend, confidant and companion.
“Indeed, an icon has gone to rest,” Bello said.

He said Idris’ journey from humble beginnings to occupying the highest political office in Kogi State was a significant part of his legacy, adding that the memories he left behind would continue to live among those who knew him.

Bello extended his condolences to the deceased’s family, friends, associates and the people of Kogi State.

He prayed Almighty Allah to forgive Idris’ shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.

He also prayed for strength for the family and others mourning the former governor’s death.

“Rest in peace, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris,” Bello said.

Idris remains one of the longest-serving governors in Kogi State, having governed the state for nearly nine years across two periods between 2003 and 2012.