On Saturday, August 9, 2025, the family of former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, confirmed his death.
The statement issued by his family partly read thus.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather; Chief Audu Ogbeh,” the family said in a statement.
“He passed away on the 9th of August 2025 at the fulfilled age of 78.”
The family described Ogbeh as a man who “departed peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, service, and dedication to our nation and community.”
“We are comforted by the many lives he touched and the example he set,” the statement added.
It noted that details of the funeral arrangements would be communicated in due course, while expressing gratitude to friends, colleagues, and well-wishers for their prayers and support.
“We will appreciate some privacy at this time while we mourn the loss of our patriarch,” the family said.
Biography
Audu Innocent Ogbeh was born on 28 July 1947 was a Nigerian farmer,
playwright and politician who served as the minister of agriculture and rural development from 2015 to 2019.
He was chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from 2001 until January 2005. He served as the minister of communications in the Nigerian Second Republic from 1982 to 1983. He was known for his literary works, and has written five plays which include three published works. One of his plays, the Epitaph of Simon Kisulu was staged at Muson Center in 2002.
Background
Ogbeh was born in present-day Benue State. He is of Idoma background. He attended King’s College, Lagos from 1967 to 1969, then studied at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria from 1969 to 1972 and the University of Toulouse, France from 1973 to 1974. He lectured at the Institute of Education, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria from 1972 to 1976, and headed the department of humanities, Murtala College of Arts, Science and Technology from 1977 to 1979.
Political career
In 1979, he ran for office in the Benue State House of Assembly on the Platform of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), becoming deputy speaker of the house. In 1982, he was appointed Federal Minister of Communications and later became Minister of Steel Development. His term of office ended in December 1983, when a military coup brought Major-General Muhammadu Buhari to power.
In 2001, he was appointed National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), replacing Chief Barnabas Gemade. He held this position until January 2005, when he was forced to resign due to his criticism of President Olusegun Obasanjo’s handling of a crisis in Anambra State.
Talking to reporters, however, Ogbeh claimed that he had resigned only to avoid conflict within the party, and due to a desire to return to farming.
Later career
In December 2005, Ogbeh formally resigned from the PDP.
As of 2009, he was chairman and managing director, Efugo Farms, Makurdi, and a member of Eisenhower Exchange Fellowships Incorporated, based in Philadelphia, United States
Ogbeh died at the age of 78 on 9 August 2025.
Saraki, Tinubu, others mourn Ogbeh
Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Chief Audu Ogbeh, describing him as a public figure whose words were always guided by integrity and whose service was rooted in genuine concern for the people.
In a heartfelt tribute issued in a statement personally signed by Saraki, the former Senate President said Nigeria has lost not only a statesman but also “a voice of reason and a heart of service.”
“Chief Audu Ogbeh was one of the rare public figures whose words carried the weight of integrity. In his work and my encounters with him, I saw a man deeply rooted in good values and genuinely concerned for the interest of the people he served. Our nation has lost a voice of reason and a heart of service,” Saraki said.
He extended his condolences to the late elder statesman’s immediate and extended family, offering prayers for strength in their time of grief.
“I extend my condolences to his wife, children, the entire Ogbeh family, and all who mourn his passing. May the Almighty grant them the strength and fortitude to bear this great and irreparable loss,” the statement read.
Chief Ogbeh, who served in various political and public service roles over the decades, was widely respected for his intellect, humility, and unwavering patriotism. His death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from across the political spectrum, reflecting his broad impact on national life.
In his reaction, President Bola Tinubu has consoled the government and people of Benue State over the passing of Chief Audu Ogbeh, a former Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and a stalwart of the All-Progressives Congress (APC).
The President also commiserated with the late statesman’s family, friends, and associates.
President Tinubu paid tribute to Chief Ogbeh’s intellectual contributions to policy formulation and his ability to proffer practical solutions to complex national challenges.
He noted that Chief Ogbeh, who began his political career in the 1970s as a legislator, was also a founding member of the APC.
“Chief Audu Ogbeh was a patriot whose wisdom, dedication, and pursuit of progress left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s political landscape. He was always ready with facts and figures to support his propositions. The nation will sorely miss his insightful perspectives and wealth of experience,” the President said.
President Tinubu, in a statement issued by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday, prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased and God’s comfort upon his family.
In the same vein, Governor of Gombe State and Chairman of Northern States Governors’ Forum, Inuwa Yahaya, has expressed profound sorrow over the death of elder statesman and former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, who passed away, Saturday, 9th August 2025, at the age of 78.
In a message of condolence, on behalf of his colleagues in the NSGF, Governor Inuwa Yahaya described Chief Ogbeh as a towering political figure, a statesman of uncommon intellect, and an iconic son of Northern Nigeria who devoted his life to national development and public service.
A statement by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General, Press Affairs, Government House, Gombe, said
“Chief Audu Ogbeh was an accomplished leader, a seasoned politician and a multifaceted scholar whose contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey and development will remain etched in history.
“He brought dignity and depth to every office he held and served the country with integrity and commitment,” the Governor said.
The NSGF Chairman noted that Chief Ogbeh’s death is a huge loss not only to Benue State and the North but to the entire nation.
“As Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, I join the Government and people of Benue State, the Ogbeh family, and indeed the nation in mourning a truly remarkable Nigerian who leaves behind a legacy of patriotism, intellectual depth, humility and outstanding public service,” the Governor stated.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of the elder statesman and for strength and comfort to his family and loved ones during this period of grief.