Audu Ogbeh, a former minister of agriculture and rural development, is dead.
Ogbeh, a former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), died on Saturday at 78, 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,” the statement reads.
“He passed away on the 9th of August 2025 at the fulfilled age of 78.”
The family said he “departed peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, service, and dedication to our nation and community”.
“We are comforted by the many lives he touched and the example he set,” the statement added.
It noted that details of the funeral arrangements would be communicated in due course, while expressing gratitude to friends, colleagues, and well-wishers for their prayers and support.
“We will appreciate some privacy at this time while we mourn the loss of our patriarch,” the statement concluded.
Ogbeh was born in Otukpo, Benue state.
He attended Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and later the University of Toulouse in France.
He became a lecturer at Murtala College of Arts, Science and Technology in 1977 and rose from teaching assistant to head of the Language, Arts and Social Sciences Department.
His entry into public service came with his election to the Benue State House of Assembly in 1979, where he served as Deputy Speaker.
He was subsequently appointed federal minister of communications (1982–1983) and minister of steel development in the Second Republic, until the coup of December 1983 halted his tenure.
Ogbeh is a founding member of the PDP and became the national chairman between 2001and 2005.
In the later years of his career, Ogbeh was appointed minister of agriculture and rural development between 2015 and 2019 under the Muhammadu Buhari administration.
