Former Nigerian Minister Audu Ogbeh Passes Away At 78.
Chief Audu Ogbeh, a prominent Nigerian politician, farmer, and playwright, has died at the age of 78. The former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development passed away peacefully on Saturday, 9 August 2025, as confirmed by a statement from the Ogbeh family. The family expressed their deep sorrow, describing him as a beloved husband, father, and grandfather who left behind a legacy of integrity, service, and dedication to Nigeria.
Born on 28 July 1947 in Otukpo, Benue State, Ogbeh was a distinguished figure in Nigerian politics. He served as the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development from 2015 to 2019 under President Muhammadu Buhari, where he championed agricultural reforms. Earlier in his career, he held the position of Minister of Communications and later Minister of Steel Development during the Second Republic under President Shehu Shagari, until the military coup of 1983. Ogbeh also served as the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from 2001 to 2005, stepping down after a public disagreement with then-President Olusegun Obasanjo over political issues in Anambra State.
Beyond politics, Ogbeh was a man of diverse talents. A graduate of King’s College, Lagos, Ahmadu Bello University, and the University of Toulouse, France, he was an accomplished academic, having lectured at Ahmadu Bello University and headed the Department of Humanities at Murtala College of Arts, Science, and Technology. His passion for the arts was evident in his work as a playwright, with one of his plays, *Epitaph of Simon Kisulu*, staged at the Muson Centre in Lagos in 2002. Later in life, he returned to his roots in farming, serving as chairman and managing director of Efugo Farms in Makurdi.
The Ogbeh family’s statement highlighted the profound impact he had on countless lives, noting that he “departed peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, service, and dedication to our nation and community.” They expressed gratitude for the support of friends, colleagues, and well-wishers, while requesting privacy during this period of mourning. Funeral arrangements are to be announced in due course.
Ogbeh’s passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes across Nigeria, with many reflecting on his contributions to agriculture, politics, and the arts. His life’s work, marked by a commitment to public service and cultural expression, will be remembered as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s political and social landscape.
