Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, has mourned the death of former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, describing his passing as an unexpected loss to the state and Nigeria.
Idris, who governed Kogi State from 2003 to 2012, died in the United Kingdom on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at the age of 77. His death has prompted condolences from political leaders and officials, while the Kogi State Government has declared three days of mourning and announced plans for a state burial.
In a condolence message issued through his Special Assistant on Media and Strategic Communications, Richard Elesho, Enikanolaiye commiserated with Idris’ immediate family, the Kogi State Government, the people of the state and his associates across the country.
The minister urged the people to draw consolation from the life Idris lived and the legacy he left in business, public service and philanthropy.
“The former industrialist has left very bold footmarks on the sand of time in business, public service, and philanthropy,” Enikanolaiye said.
He listed the Greater Lokoja Water Scheme, international market, roads and bridges, State Secretariat Phase Two and housing estates among projects associated with Idris’ administration.
Enikanolaiye also cited the payment of workers’ salaries as part of what he described as the late governor’s public-service legacy.
He described Idris as a tolerant leader and a voice for unity who, according to him, treated people equally regardless of “creed, class, and tribe.”
The minister recalled a road project linking Iyamoye through Igbagun to Isanlu in the Yagba South East District, saying Idris’ administration provided asphalt on the route, which improved access and movement for residents.
“For me at a personal and community level, it was the late Governor that put, for the very first time, asphalt on the only road that links my communities from Iyamoye through Igbagun to Isanlu in Yagba South East District which made access and movements easier for the people,” he said.
“I have been one of the direct beneficiaries of this transformative project. The road is now overdue for rehabilitation.”
Enikanolaiye described Idris’ death as “one death too many”, saying his passing was particularly painful at a time when his experience and guidance were needed.
“This is one death too many. It is particularly sad that his death occurred at a time when his guidance and wealth of experience were highly required in this special general election season. Nigeria will miss him,” he said.
Idris was elected governor of Kogi State in 2003 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party and remained in office until January 2012. He returned to office after winning a 2008 re-run election following a legal challenge to the 2007 governorship poll.
Following his death, Governor Usman Ododo declared three days of mourning and directed that the Nigerian and Kogi State flags be flown at half-mast across government offices and designated public institutions. The state government also said Idris would receive a state burial.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also mourned Idris, describing his death as a significant loss to Kogi State and Nigeria and noting his years of public service and contributions to the development of the state.
Enikanolaiye prayed that Almighty Allah would grant the late former governor Aljannatul Firdaus and give his family the strength to bear the loss.
