Nigeria’s former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, has died at the age of 78.
Ogbeh passed away on Saturday, August 9, 2025, according to a statement from his family.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather; Chief Audu Ogbeh,” the statement read. “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 details of his funeral arrangements would be announced later, and appealed for privacy as they mourn the loss of their patriarch.
Born on July 28, 1947, Ogbeh was a prominent Nigerian farmer, playwright, and politician. He served as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development from 2015 to 2019 and was National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from 2001 until January 2005.
During the Second Republic, he was appointed Minister of Communications, serving briefly from 1982 to 1983.
As a literary figure, Ogbeh authored five plays that remain reference points in Nigerian literature.
He hailed from Efugo-Otukpa in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State.
