Chief Audu Ogbeh, former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, has passed away. He died peacefully on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at the age of 78.
The Ogbeh family announced his passing in a statement released on Saturday, describing him as a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and statesman.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Chief Audu Ogbeh. He passed away on the 9th of August, 2025, at the age of 78,” the statement read.
The family paid tribute to his life of service, noting that he “departed peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, service, and dedication to our nation and community.” They expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and prayers from friends, colleagues, and well-wishers, requesting privacy as they mourn their loss.
Funeral arrangements, the statement added, will be announced in due course.
Born in Otukpo, Benue State, Chief Ogbeh studied at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and later at the University of Toulouse in France. He began his academic career as a teaching assistant and rose to become the Head of the Department of Language, Arts and Social Sciences at Murtala College of Arts, Science and Technology in 1977.
His journey in public service began with his election to the Benue State House of Assembly in 1979, where he served as Deputy Speaker. He later held federal cabinet positions as Minister of Communications (1982–1983) and Minister of Steel Development until the December 1983 coup.
Ogbeh returned to national relevance through his work in agriculture, establishing rice mills, cashew plantations, community agricultural projects, and consulting services. He was also appointed to key national bodies, including the National Constitutional Conference Commission in 1993 and the National Reconciliation Committee in 1995.
A founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ogbeh served as the party’s National Chairman from 2001 to 2005. He was widely respected for his principled opposition to President Olusegun Obasanjo’s third-term agenda, a stance that led to his resignation.
In 2015, he was appointed Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development by President Muhammadu Buhari, a role he held until 2019.
Beyond politics, Ogbeh was a playwright and intellectual. His notable works include Epitaph of Simon Kisulu, which was performed at the Muson Centre in 2002.
Chief Audu Ogbeh is remembered as a statesman of uncommon principle, a champion of rural development, and a man whose contributions left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s political and agricultural landscape.
