The family of Chief Audu Ogbeh has announced the passing of the former chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and minister of Agriculture on Saturday, August 9, aged 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 examples he set,” a statement from his family announced.
Details of funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course, the statement noted, requesting “some privacy” while mourning the loss of their patriarch.
Chief Audu Innocent Ogbeh, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was born on July 28, 1947 and was a farmer, playwright, politician and administrator from Efugo-Otukpa, Ogbadibo Local Government Area (LGA), Benue State.
He served as the minister of agriculture and rural development from 2015 to 2019 and as the chairman of the PDP from 2001 to January 2005.
Chief Ogbe contested and won election into the Benue State Assembly on the Platform of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in 1979 and was elected Deputy Speaker of the House. Between 1982 and 1983, Chief Ogbe served as the minister of communications.
Chief Ogbe has five plays to his credit, including three published works. One of his plays, the Epitaph of Simon Kisulu, was staged at Muson Centre in 2002.
