The 2023 governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party in Kogi State, Alhaji Murtala Yakubu Ajaka, has expressed sadness over the death of former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris.
Ajaka described the former governor’s death as a significant loss to his immediate family, Kogi State and those who encountered him during his years in public service.
His condolence message was contained in a statement issued on Monday by his Head of Media and Public Communications, Prince Tijani Daud.
Idris died in the United Kingdom on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at the age of 77. His death was confirmed by his nephew, Shehu Ahmed, although the cause of death had not been disclosed as of Monday.
Reacting to the development, Ajaka said Idris occupied an important position in the political history of Kogi State, having served as governor for nearly nine years.
He noted that the former governor would be remembered for his years of public service and his contribution to the political and developmental history of the state.
“This is a painful loss, not only to his immediate family but to the people of Kogi State and everyone whose life he touched during his years of public service,” Ajaka said.
He added that Idris had served Kogi State at its highest political level and remained an important figure in the state’s history.
According to Ajaka, the former governor’s death marked the end of a significant chapter in Kogi State’s political journey.
He extended his condolences to members of the Idris family, the people of Omala Local Government Area, the Igala Kingdom and residents of Kogi State.
Ajaka also prayed that Almighty Allah would forgive the former governor’s shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus.
He asked God to grant the deceased’s family and loved ones the strength to cope with the loss.
Idris was governor of Kogi State from 2003 and remained in office until January 2012. He governed the state on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party. His political career included a 2007 re-election that was subsequently affected by a court ruling, after which he returned to office following a fresh election in 2008.
Following the announcement of his death, Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo declared three days of mourning and directed that the Nigerian and Kogi State flags be flown at half-mast at government offices and designated public institutions throughout the mourning period.
Ododo also announced that Idris would receive a state burial, with the Kogi State Government taking responsibility for the burial arrangements.
The governor described the late former governor as an important figure in Kogi’s political and developmental history, citing interventions associated with his administration in areas including infrastructure, education and healthcare.
Other political figures and groups have also continued to pay tribute to Idris since news of his death emerged.
Ajaka’s condolence adds to the growing expressions of sympathy from across the state’s political landscape, with tributes focusing largely on Idris’s years in public service and his place in Kogi’s political history.
As preparations for his burial begin, the former governor’s death is expected to prompt further reflections on his nearly nine years in office and his wider contribution to the political development of Kogi State.
