…hail late statesman’s patriotism, lasting legacy
A former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Audu Ogbeh, is dead.
A statement issued by the Ogbeh family said that the elder statesman who was also a former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, died on Saturday, August 9, at the age of 78.
The family described the deceased as a patriarch who left a legacy of integrity, service and dedication to the country and community.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Chief Audu Ogbeh. He passed away on August 9 at the fulfilled age of 78.
“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 family said.
Reacting to the elder statesman’s demise, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described him as a patriot whose wisdom, dedication, and pursuit of progress left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s political landscape.
In a condolence message to the government and people of Benue State, the President said the nation had lost a statesman of rare intellect and commitment to national development.
According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President also commiserated with the late politician’s family, friends, and associates.
President Tinubu noted the late Ogbeh’s deep intellectual contributions to policy formulation and his skill in articulating practical solutions to the country’s complex challenges.
“He was always ready with facts and figures to support his propositions. The nation will sorely miss his insightful perspectives and wealth of experience,” the President said.
Joining politics in the 1970s as a legislator, Chief Ogbeh became a respected voice in governance, earning a reputation for principled service and an unwavering belief in Nigeria’s potential, said Tinubu, as he prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul and
God’s comfort to his bereaved family.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, described the deceased as a man of integrity and deep commitment to the Nigerian project, saying his death is a monumental loss to the nation.
Akume, who paid a condolence visit to Ogbeh’s Abuja residence on Saturday, hailed the elder statesman as a distinguished leader, consummate public servant, and patriot who dedicated his life to the service of his people and the country in various capacities.
According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, Akume described Ogbeh as a “distinguished leader, teacher, patriot, consummate public servant, and quintessential intellectual, who shone more than a million stars in the service of his community, Benue State, and Nigeria as a whole.”
“Our prayers are with the family and loved ones he left behind, and we pray that Almighty God will grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss of this perfect gentleman,” he added.
Likewise, former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo expressed shock and sadness over Ogbeh’s demise.
Obasanjo who is in Uganda on a visit, described the late Minister as a peace-loving, unassuming, committed patriot and a firm believer in democracy and participatory governance.
In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, the former President stressed that late Ogbeh “will be missed for his commitment to politics, governance and democracy and the re-establishment of democracy in Nigeria. His place will be very difficult to fill within his community, the State, the Party and the nation.”
President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, also expressed sadness over the passing of Ogbeh.
Akpabio, in a statement through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, described the late statesman as a distinguished Nigerian that lived a life of service and integrity.
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“Chief Ogbeh lived a life of service, integrity, and commitment to the development of our nation. He was an intellectual store house, whose legacy of service and dedication to Nigeria is a testament to his character and commitment to public service. We will sorely miss him.
“On behalf of my family, constituents and the 10th Senate, I extend our deepest condolences to the family of Chief Audu Ogbeh, his friends, political associates, and the people and government of Benue State as well as our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, on his part, described Ogbeh’s demise as a rude shock stressing that the late Audu Ogbeh was a quintessential gentleman, an amiable friend and reliable political ally, whose immense contributions to nation-building would be sorely missed.
“He was a detribalised and development-minded politician. One who combined intellectualism with pragmatism. He was also a true defender of liberal democracy. His type is difficult to replace,” Atiku said, and prayed that “the Almighty blissfully rests his soul and comfort his family.”
The Interim National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former President of the Senate, David Mark, also lamented the death of frontline politician and former PDP chairman.
In a statement by his media aide, Paul Mumeh, in Abuja, Senator Mark said: “I have lost a dependable brother and friend.”
Mark recalled that Ogbeh was among the rare breed of political leaders who genuinely believed in the unity of Nigeria, where no citizen should be oppressed or denied the opportunity to fulfil their dreams.
“Ogbeh preached justice, fairness, and equity. He was morally upright even in the face of adversity,” he said, urging his family and the people of Benue State to take solace in the fact that the deceased lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation.
Former Delta State Governor, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, on his part, stated that the late Ogbeh was one of the most effective national chairmen in the history of the PDP.
In a personal tribute, Ibori praised the late Ogbeh as a humble and unassuming gentleman who valued integrity above money or personal gain.
Ibori recalled that during his bid for re-election as governor in 2003, Ogbeh was given direct instructions to block his candidacy. However, Ogbeh, being a man of principle, refused to comply with what he termed “devilish machinations.” Ibori went on to contest and win the election, completing his second term in 2007.
“On behalf of myself, my wife, and my entire family, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his wife, children, and the good people of Benue State. May his gentle soul rest in peace,” he said.
The Northern State Governors’ Forum (NSGF) also expressed sadness over the demise of the elder statesman.
Chairman of the forum and Governor of Gombe, Inuwa Yahaya, in a condolence message issued by his Media Aide, Ismaila Uba-Misilli,on Saturday, in Gombe, described Ogbeh as a towering political figure, a statesman of uncommon intellect and an iconic son of Northern Nigeria.
“Chief Audu Ogbeh was an accomplished leader, a seasoned politician and multifaceted scholar whose contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey and development will remain etched in history.
“He brought dignity and depth to every office he held and served the country with integrity and commitment,” he said.
The NSGF chairman described Ogbeh’s death as a huge loss not only to Benue and the north, but also to the entire country as he left behind a legacy of patriotism, intellectual depth, humility and outstanding public service.
The Northern Senators’ Forum (NSF) also condoled with the family of late Ogbeh; Chairman of the Forum, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’adua, in a statement in Abuja, described him as a statesman whose vision extended beyond politics into the fields and homes of Nigerian farmers. During his tenure as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, he launched initiatives like the Agricultural Inputs Mechanisation and Management Services (AIMMS) to enhance transparency and reduce fraud.
“In his public life, Chief Ogbeh always put Nigeria first, preaching about the unity and betterment of Nigeria. He was a good ambassador of Benue State, and his contributions to national development will be remembered.”
Former Delta State Governor, James Onanefe Ibori, has described the late Audu Ogbeh as one of the most effective national chairmen in the history of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In a personal tribute, Ibori praised the late Ogbeh as a humble and unassuming gentleman who valued integrity above money or personal gain.
Reflecting on their political history, Ibori recalled that during his bid for re-election as governor in 2003, Ogbeh was given direct instructions to block his candidacy. However, Ogbeh, being a man of principle, refused to comply with what he termed “devilish machinations.”
Ibori went on to contest and win the election, completing his second term in 2007.
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) equally expressed deep shock over Ogbeh’s demise, describing him as a nationalist and one of Nigeria’s biggest farmers.
In a condolence message signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the Forum described Ogbeh as “a passionate and large-scale farmer” and “a committed son of Arewa,”stressing that his contributions to agriculture, politics, and national unity were indelible.
Ogbeh, a renowned farmer, playwright and politician, served as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development from 2015 to 2019 under late President Muhammad Buhari.
The native of Efugo-Otukpa in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State was previously appointed as the Minister of Communications during the Second Republic administration of the late President Shehu Shagari at the age of 32, making him the youngest federal cabinet member at that time.
He had previously served as deputy speaker of Benue House of Assembly after joining politics in 1979.
