Sultan Mourns Ex-Kogi Governor Ibrahim Idris, Recalls Deep Sokoto Ties

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has mourned the death of the Jakadan Sokoto and former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, describing him as a cherished member of the Sokoto Sultanate family.

Idris, who died on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at the age of 77, was remembered by the Sultan not only for his service as a traditional titleholder but also for his longstanding personal and economic ties to Sokoto, where he grew up and established his businesses before returning to his ancestral home in Kogi State.

Speaking with his Media Team on Monday, the Sultan said the death of the former governor was a deeply painful loss, recalling the years Idris spent in Sokoto and the relationship he maintained with the city throughout his life.

“He was my titleholder. He was very close to us. He grew up and lived here in Sokoto, established all his businesses here and made his money from here before going back home in Kogi several years after the state was created out of old Kwara State to become the governor and contribute his quota to serving his people,” the Sultan said.

According to the Sultan, Idris’ relationship with Sokoto extended beyond the traditional honour bestowed on him, as he remained closely connected to the people and institutions of the ancient city throughout his life.

Born and raised in Sokoto, Idris built a reputation as an entrepreneur, establishing businesses in sectors including hospitality and furniture before returning to Kogi State, where he later entered politics and rose to become governor.

The Sultan recalled that Idris was formally conferred with the traditional title of Jakadan Sokoto, meaning Ambassador of Sokoto, in April 2021, in recognition of his contributions and enduring relationship with the Sultanate.

He described the late former governor as a respected and valued member of the Sokoto Sultanate family whose passing had left a significant void.

The Sultan extended his condolences to Idris’ immediate family, the Attah of Igala, the people of Kogi State and the Kogi State Government, praying that they would be granted the strength to bear the loss.

He also prayed Almighty Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the deceased, reward his good deeds and grant him eternal rest in Al-Jannatul Firdaus.

The statement was signed by Prince Bashir Adefaka on behalf of the Media Team of the Sultan of Sokoto.