Audu Innocent Ogbeh, a veteran politician, former federal minister and one-time national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has died at the age of 78. His family announced on Saturday that he passed away peacefully on August 9, 2025, describing his death as the end of a life marked by public service and dedication to agriculture and national development.
Ogbeh’s career spanned more than four decades and touched the legislative, executive and party-political spheres. Born in Otukpo, Benue State in 1947, he began public life as a deputy speaker in the Benue State House of Assembly (1979–1982) and was later appointed Federal Minister of Communications in the Second Republic (1982–1983). He rose to national prominence as PDP national chairman from 2001 until his resignation in 2005 amid internal party crises, and more recently served as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development from November 2015 to May 2019 under President Muhammadu Buhari.
As Minister of Agriculture, Ogbeh was widely credited with championing measures to strengthen domestic food production, reduce import dependency and empower rural farmers, a reflection of his lifelong interest in farming and rural development. He promoted value-chain initiatives and worked to boost local processing, activities that included private-sector agricultural projects and community schemes linked to his own farming background. Supporters and agricultural stakeholders frequently pointed to his practical experience as a farmer and operator of agricultural enterprises as a source of credibility during his tenure.
Ogbeh leaves behind a large family and a long public record: state legislator and deputy speaker, federal minister in two different republics, national party chairman, agricultural reform advocate and farmer.
Details of the funeral and memorial arrangements will be released by the family when ready.
