Nigeria has lost one of its prominent political figures, Chief Audu Ogbeh, who passed away peacefully on Saturday, 9 August 2025, at the age of 78.
Ogbeh’s death adds his name to a growing list of notable Nigerians who have died this year, including Ayo Adebanjo, Edwin Clark, Doyin Okupe, and former President Muhammadu Buhari.
A man whose political career spanned decades, Ogbeh served as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development between November 2015 and May 2019 under Buhari’s administration. Before that, he had been National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from 2001 to 2005, and Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly between 1979 and 1982.
Known for his bluntness and firm political views, Ogbeh often spoke out against government policies he disagreed with. While some faulted his approach to tackling Nigeria’s food security challenges as minister, many acknowledged his commitment to national issues.
In what would be his final televised interview, aired in March 2025, Ogbeh urged President Bola Tinubu to avoid escalating tensions in Rivers State, suggesting dialogue and mediation instead of a state of emergency.
“Rivers State is bigger than any individual,” he said. “Nobody wants a crisis in the Niger Delta. Nigeria has lived off the Niger Delta for 40 years, and we must appreciate what they have done for the country.”
