By Crystal Ugoeze
Former Kogi State Governor Ibrahim Idris, popularly known as Ibro, has reportedly died in the United Kingdom at the age of 77.
The reported death of the former governor on Sunday has thrown Kogi State into mourning, although details surrounding his death were still sketchy as of press time.
Idris, who governed Kogi State from 2003 to 2012, emerged as governor on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after defeating the then incumbent governor, Abubakar Audu, in the 2003 election.
His tenure was marked by political and legal battles. His 2007 re-election was nullified by the courts following the exclusion of Audu from the ballot. In February 2008, the Court of Appeal ordered a fresh election, which Idris subsequently won in March 2008, enabling him to remain in office until January 2012, when he handed over to Captain Idris Wada.
Born in Idah in 1949, Idris ventured into business before entering politics. He founded Ibro Trading Company, with interests spanning construction, furniture and hospitality.
He established a furniture factory in Sokoto and the Ibro Hotel, which was described as one of the early three-star hotels in the former Sokoto State.
Idris also experienced a dramatic family ordeal in 2006 when three of his daughters survived the ADC Airlines Flight 53 crash, which claimed 96 lives. He described their survival as a remarkable act of God’s mercy.
In April 2024, Idris suffered another family loss when his son, Mohammed Ibrahim Idris, a former member of the House of Representatives representing Ankpa/Olamaboro/Omala Federal Constituency, died in Abuja shortly after Eid-el-Fitr prayers.
If confirmed, Idris’ death would mark the passing of one of the prominent political figures of Kogi State’s Fourth Republic era.
He is survived by family members, friends and associates who are expected to pay tribute to his life and contributions to Kogi State and Nigeria.Two headline options: