Former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, has died at the age of 78.
The elder statesman, who was also a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 9, 2025, according to a statement issued by his family.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather; Chief Audu Ogbeh. He passed away at the fulfilled age of 78,” the statement read, describing him as a man who “departed peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, service, and dedication to our nation and community.”
The family said funeral arrangements would be announced in due course and requested privacy while they mourn.
Born in Otukpo, Benue State, Ogbeh was educated at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and the University of Toulouse in France. His early career included a stint as teaching assistant before becoming head of the Language, Arts and Social Sciences Department at Murtala College of Arts, Science and Technology in 1977.
He ventured into politics in 1979, winning election to the Benue State House of Assembly, where he served as Deputy Speaker. He later became Federal Minister of Communications (1982–1983) and Minister of Steel Development in the Second Republic until the December 1983 coup ended his tenure.
A dedicated farmer, Ogbeh established rice mills, a cashew plantation, and various agricultural projects during a period away from government. He returned to public service in the 1990s, serving on the National Constitutional Conference Commission (1993) and the National Reconciliation Committee (1995).
Ogbeh was a founding member of the PDP and served as its National Chairman from 2001 to 2005. His principled opposition to then-President Olusegun Obasanjo’s third-term bid prompted his resignation.
In 2015, he was appointed Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development under President Muhammadu Buhari, a role he held until 2019.
A multifaceted scholar and playwright, Ogbeh authored works such as Epitaph of Simon Kisulu, performed at the Muson Centre in 2002.
Tributes have begun pouring in from political leaders, colleagues, and citizens who hailed him as a man of integrity and a staunch advocate for Nigeria’s agricultural transformation.