By Abiola Olawale
Eminent Nigerians have expressed sadness over the death of Chief Audu Ogbeh, former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development and ex-National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and other prominent Nigerians have paid heartfelt tributes to the late statesman, describing him as a dedicated patriot and a firm believer in democracy.
Tinubu, in a statement released on Saturday, Tinubu expressed deep sadness over Ogbeh’s demise, highlighting his dedication to Nigeria’s progress.
Tinubu, in the statement, said: “Ogbeh’s intellectual contributions to policy formulation and his articulation of practical solutions to complex national challenges”.
“Chief Audu Ogbeh was a patriot whose wisdom, dedication, and pursuit of progress left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s political landscape. 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 added in a statement signed by Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga.
Obasanjo echoed similar views, describing Ogbeh as a selfless leader whose work in public service inspired many.
Obasanjo said: “Chief Audu Ogbeh will be missed for his unwavering commitment to politics, governance, and democracy, as he made significant contributions to 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.”
Similarly, the 19 northern governors in Nigeria described Ogbeh as a towering political figure, a statesman of uncommon intellect, and an iconic son of Northern Nigeria who devoted his life to national development and public service.
In a statement on behalf of his colleagues, Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa said Ogbeh was “an accomplished leader, a seasoned politician and a multifaceted scholar whose contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey and development will remain etched in history.”
The New Diplomat reports that Ogbeh, born on July 28, 1947, in Otukpo, Benue State, was a towering figure in Nigerian politics and agriculture.
A farmer, playwright, and seasoned politician, Ogbeh’s career which spanned decades was marked by contributions to Nigeria’s governance and development.
He served as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development from 2015 to 2019 under President Muhammadu Buhari.
Prior to this, he was the National Chairman of the PDP from 2001 to 2005.
Ogbeh also held ministerial positions in the Second Republic, serving as Minister of Communications (1982–1983) and later Minister of Steel Development under President Shehu Shagari.
His political journey began in 1979 when he was elected to the Benue State House of Assembly under the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), where he served as deputy speaker.
Beyond politics, Ogbeh was a scholar and creative mind. He studied at King’s College, Lagos, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and the University of Toulouse, France. His passion for literature led him to write five plays, including The Epitaph of Simon Kisulu, staged at the Muson Center in 2002.
