Nigeria has lost one of its prominent political figures, Chief Audu Ogbeh, who died peacefully on Saturday at the age of 78.
A statement from the Ogbeh family described the former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and patriot who lived a life of integrity, service, and dedication to the nation.
Funeral details, the family said, will be announced later, while requesting privacy during the mourning period.
Born in Otukpo, Benue State, Ogbeh studied at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and the University of Toulouse in France.
He began his public service career in 1979 as Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, before serving as Minister of Communications and later Minister of Steel Development during the Second Republic.
A founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ogbeh was the party’s National Chairman from 2001 to 2005, remembered for his strong opposition to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s third-term agenda, a stand that led to his resignation.
He returned to national service in 2015 as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development under President Muhammadu Buhari.
Beyond politics, Ogbeh was a dedicated farmer, agricultural entrepreneur, and playwright, with works such as Epitaph of Simon Kisulu staged at the Muson Centre in 2002.
He leaves behind a legacy that spans politics, agriculture, literature, and community service.