Former Kogi State Governor Ibrahim Idris has died in the United Kingdom at the age of 77, prompting tributes from political leaders and a three day period of mourning in the state.

Idris died on Sunday, September 20, according to reports confirmed by his family and Kogi State officials.

The circumstances surrounding his death have not been officially disclosed.

Following confirmation of his death, Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, former Governor Yahaya Bello, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Abdullahi Bello and other senior government officials visited the late governor's Abuja residence to condole with his family.

KOGI DECLARES THREE DAYS OF MOURNING

The Kogi State Government has declared three days of mourning in honour of the former governor.

Governor Ododo also directed that flags be flown at half mast at government offices and other designated public institutions during the mourning period.

The state government announced that Idris would receive a state burial and said it would take responsibility for the burial arrangements and expenses.

Ododo described the former governor's death as a significant loss to Kogi State.

He said Idris devoted an important part of his life to public service and that his years in office formed a notable chapter in the political and developmental history of the state.

IDRIS GOVERNED KOGI FOR NEARLY NINE YEARS

Idris served as governor of Kogi State from 2003 until January 2012 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.

He first assumed office in May 2003 after defeating incumbent Governor Abubakar Audu.

Idris was reelected in 2007, although the election was later nullified by the courts.

He subsequently contested and won a rerun election in 2008.

He remained governor until January 2012 and was succeeded by Idris Wada.

His period in office made him one of the longest serving governors in Kogi State's history.

POLITICAL LEADERS PAY TRIBUTE

Political figures across Kogi State have begun paying tribute following confirmation of Idris' death.

Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, described his passing as a profound loss to Kogi State and Nigeria.

She described Idris as an important figure in the political history of the state and the Peoples Democratic Party.

Governor Ododo also highlighted the former governor's contributions to politics and public service.

BUSINESSMAN BEFORE ENTERING POLITICS

Before becoming governor, Idris established himself in business.

His interests included construction, furniture manufacturing and hospitality before his transition into politics.

He subsequently became a major figure within the Peoples Democratic Party in Kogi State.

His nearly nine years as governor placed him at the centre of the state's political affairs during much of the first decade following Nigeria's return to democratic government in 1999.

BURIAL ARRANGEMENTS EXPECTED

Further details concerning Idris' burial arrangements are expected to be announced by his family and the Kogi State Government.

The government has already committed to giving the former governor a state burial.

Political associates, government officials and other sympathisers are expected to continue visiting the family as Kogi State begins its official mourning period.

Idris leaves behind a political career that spanned nearly a decade at the highest level of government in Kogi State and a legacy that will remain part of the state's political history.