Samuel Omang
Nigeria’s former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, has died at the age of 78.
The respected farmer, playwright, and politician passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 9, 2025, according to a statement issued by the Ogbeh family.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Chief Audu Ogbeh,” the family said. “We are comforted by the many lives he touched and the example he set. We kindly request privacy at this time as we mourn our patriarch.”
Details of the funeral will be released in due course, the statement added, while expressing gratitude to friends, colleagues, and well-wishers for their support.
Born on 28 July 1947 in Efugo-Otukpa, Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State, Ogbeh’s career spanned politics, literature, and agriculture. He served as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development from 2015 to 2019 and was Minister of Communications during the Second Republic between 1982 and 1983.
He also held the position of National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from 2001 to January 2005.
A literary figure in his own right, Chief Ogbeh authored five plays that remain important reference works in Nigerian literature.
His passing marks the end of an era for a man widely respected for his integrity, service, and unwavering dedication to Nigeria’s progress.