Sultan mourns passing of Jakadan Sokoto, ex-Kogi Governor Ibrahim Idris
By KEMI KASUMU
Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar described the deceased as a cherished and highly respected member of the Sokoto Sultanate family, whose attachment to Sokoto transcended the honour of a traditional title.
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, has expressed deep grief over the passing of one of the distinguished titleholders of the Sokoto Sultanate, the Jakadan Sokoto, and former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, who returned to his Creator on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at the age of 77.
His Eminence, in a deeply reflective conversation with his Media Team on Monday, September 21, 2026, spoke with profound grief about the passing of the former governor, recalling not only his service as a respected titleholder of the Sultanate but also the remarkable bond he shared with Sokoto, a city he regarded as home and where he built the foundation of his economic and public life.
The Sultan recalled that Alhaji Ibrahim Idris grew up in Sokoto and established himself as a distinguished entrepreneur, building businesses across sectors, including hospitality and furniture, from the ancient seat of the Caliphate before returning to his ancestral home in Kogi State, where he later ventured fully into politics and rose to become Governor of the state.
“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, with his words reflecting the depth of his personal grief over the passing of the former governor.
Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar described the deceased as a cherished and highly respected member of the Sokoto Sultanate family, whose attachment to Sokoto transcended the honour of a traditional title.
According to him, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris was a man who lived among the people, identified with them and maintained a profound connection with the people and institutions of Sokoto throughout his life.
The Sultan recalled that the late former governor was formally honoured with the distinguished traditional title of Jakadan Sokoto, meaning Ambassador of Sokoto, in April 2021, in recognition of his standing and his enduring relationship with Sokoto and the Sultanate.
While mourning the loss of the distinguished titleholder, His Eminence extended his heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of the deceased, the Attah of Igala, the people of Kogi State and the Government of Kogi State, praying that they would find strength and comfort in this moment of grief.
The Sultan also prayed Almighty Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the deceased, reward his good deeds and grant him eternal repose in Al-Jannatul Firdaus.
