Awoniyi Mourns Ibrahim Idris, Says “Kogi Has Lost a Statesman; I Have Lost a Benefactor and Father Figure”
Former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Arc. Abayomi Awoniyi, has mourned the death of former Governor of the state, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, describing him as a statesman whose contributions to Kogi State would remain part of its political history.
Awoniyi, in a condolence statement issued on Monday, September 21, 2026, said the death of the former governor at the age of 77 was not only a loss to Kogi State but also a deeply personal one, as Idris played a significant role in his emergence as Deputy Governor.
According to him, while Alhaji Ibrahim Idris would be remembered for his years of public service, his personal memories of the former governor centred on the confidence and support he extended to him at a defining moment in his political career.
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Awoniyi recalled that when the administration of former Governor Idris Wada was being constituted and the issue of who would serve as Deputy Governor arose, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris asked Alhaji Abdulrazaq Isa Kutepa, who had contested the governorship primaries with Captain Idris Wada, to submit three names for consideration.
He said Kutepa responded that he had only one name to submit—his own.
“When Alhaji Ibrahim Idris heard my name, his response was simple but decisive: if it was Yomi Awoniyi, there was no need to bring any other name,” Awoniyi recalled.
He said that decision changed the course of his public life and subsequently paved the way for him to serve as Deputy Governor of Kogi State under Captain Idris Wada from 2012 to 2016.
Awoniyi expressed gratitude that he had the opportunity to appreciate Idris for his support during his lifetime, noting that he had personally thanked him on several occasions for the confidence he reposed in him.
“One of my greatest consolations today is that I did not wait until his passing to acknowledge his kindness to me. I had the privilege of thanking him, on several occasions and during his lifetime, for the confidence he reposed in me and for the part he played in my emergence as Deputy Governor,” he stated.
Reflecting on Idris’ tenure as governor, Awoniyi described him as a major figure in the political history of Kogi State, noting that he governed the state for almost nine years.
He acknowledged that, like every administration, Idris’ government had its challenges, but maintained that no fair account of the development of Kogi State could be written without recognising his contributions.
According to him, interventions during Idris’ tenure in areas including infrastructure, education, healthcare and other aspects of public life remain visible in parts of the state.
“Those years left their footprints across Kogi State. Like every human administration, his government had its challenges, but no fair account of the development of our state can be written without acknowledging his contributions,” he said.
Awoniyi further described his relationship with the late former governor as one that went beyond politics, saying they maintained close contact over the years until Idris travelled abroad for medical attention.
He said Idris belonged to the category of people whose decisions could alter the course of another person’s life, adding that the former governor’s intervention in his political journey would remain unforgettable.
“Today, Kogi State mourns a former Governor and one of the major figures in its political history. His family mourns a father, husband, patriarch and loved one. Many others mourn a friend, leader and benefactor.
“I mourn all of these, but I also mourn the man who, when my name was placed before him at a defining moment, simply said: if it is Yomi Awoniyi, there is no need for another name.
“Those words will remain with me for the rest of my life,” he said.
The former Deputy Governor extended his condolences to the Idris family, friends and associates, as well as the government and people of Kogi State.
He prayed that Almighty God would forgive the late former governor’s shortcomings, reward his good deeds and grant him eternal rest, while also giving his family the strength to bear the loss.
“Farewell, Your Excellency. Thank you for the confidence you reposed in me. Thank you for the opportunity you helped make possible. Thank you for your service to Kogi State.
“Your journey on earth has ended, but your footprints remain,” Awoniyi said.
DemocracyNewslineNewspaper September 21, 2026
