Former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Innocent Ogbeh died on Saturday. He was 78 years old
A statement by the Ogbeh family read: ‘It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather; Chief Audu Ogbeh.
‘He passed away on the 9 August 2025 at the fulfilled age of 78’.
The family described Ogbeh as a man who ‘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 family said 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 further read.
A farmer, playwright and politician, Ogbeh served as the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development from 2015 to 2019. He was National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party from 2001 until January 2005.
He served as the Minister of Communications in the Second Republic from 1982 to 1983.
Ogbeh, who hailed from Benue State, was known for his literary works, and has written five plays which include three published works. One of his plays, The Epitaph of Simon Kisulu was staged at Muson Centre, Lagos in 2002.
