Nigeria is in mourning following the death of Chief Audu Innocent Ogbeh, a veteran politician, statesman, and advocate for national unity.
His passing on Saturday morning, August 9, 2025, at his Abuja residence, has drawn heartfelt tributes from political leaders across the country, underscoring his immense contributions to Nigeria’s political evolution and agricultural reform.
Chief Ogbeh, 78, lived a life of public service spanning over four decades, beginning with his political career in the Benue State House of Assembly.
He would go on to serve as Minister of Communications during the Shehu Shagari administration in the Second Republic, and later, as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development under President Muhammadu Buhari.
Between those tenures, he also chaired the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), becoming one of the most respected voices in Nigerian political circles.
A Dependable Brother and a Patriot — David Mark
One of the most emotional tributes came from Senator David Mark, former Senate President and current Interim National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
He described Ogbeh as “a dependable brother and friend,” Senator Mark was visibly moved as he paid tribute to a man he considered both a comrade and a pillar in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
He said, “We have lost one of the finest minds in our nation’s political history. Ogbeh preached justice, fairness, and equity.
“He was morally upright even in the face of adversity. His brilliance, forthrightness, and unwavering integrity will remain unmatched.”
Mark emphasized that Chief Ogbeh believed deeply in a unified Nigeria, a country where no citizen should be oppressed or denied opportunities.
“He devoted his life to humanity and national service. It is a huge blow not only to Benue State but to Nigeria at large,” he added.
Northern Senators Forum: A Visionary Beyond Politics
From the Northern Senators Forum came a message that highlighted the technocratic side of Chief Ogbeh’s legacy. Signed by Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua, Chairman of the Forum, the statement praised Ogbeh as a patriotic Nigerian whose reach extended well beyond politics.
Yar’adua said, “Chief Ogbeh was not just a politician; he was a visionary whose policies in the agricultural sector had a tangible impact on Nigerian farmers.”
“He particularly acknowledged his efforts through the Agricultural Inputs Mechanisation and Management Services (AIMMS), a program aimed at increasing transparency and curbing corruption in the distribution of agricultural resources.
“He was a good ambassador of Benue State and a reformer whose work impacted lives across Nigeria. His belief in unity and development is the kind of example leaders today should emulate,” the Forum added.
Akpabio: A Life of Integrity and Service
Senate President Godswill Akpabio also joined the chorus of condolences, describing the late Chief Ogbeh as “a distinguished elder statesman and a dedicated public servant.”
In a statement issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio hailed Ogbeh as a man of integrity who served under two different presidential administrations with distinction.
“His contributions to agriculture, rural development, and nation-building will be remembered for generations.
“Chief Ogbeh was an intellectual storehouse whose dedication to Nigeria’s progress is a testament to his character,” Akpabio said.
The Senate President further extended condolences on behalf of the 10th Senate, his constituents, and the All Progressives Congress (APC), acknowledging Ogbeh’s multifaceted contributions to the nation’s growth and stability.
A Life Worthy of Emulation
Chief Audu Ogbeh’s life story is one of resilience, intellect, and service.
His career traversed some of Nigeria’s most turbulent and transformative periods, yet his name remained synonymous with integrity and principle.
From state-level governance in Benue to national policymaking in Abuja, he consistently championed the values of justice, national unity, and inclusive development.
His death has not only left a vacuum in Nigeria’s political history but has also served as a moment of reflection for the country’s leadership.
The recurring theme in all tributes — whether from former colleagues, current senators, or party stalwarts — is that of a man whose life should inspire future generations.
As Nigeria continues to navigate complex socio-political challenges, the legacy of Chief Ogbeh stands as a reminder of what committed, ethical leadership looks like.
In a country hungry for transformation, Chief Audu Ogbeh’s decades-long service remains a model of what is possible when patriotism and principle guide public duty.
