Audu Ogbeh Biography, Age, Wife, Career, Personal Life & Legacy
Audu Innocent Ogbeh (28 July 1947 – 9 August 2025) was a Nigerian statesman, farmer, playwright, and educator whose career spanned over five decades in politics, agriculture, and the arts. Renowned for his integrity and intellectual depth, Ogbeh served as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Minister of Communications, Minister of Steel Development, and National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Beyond politics, he was a successful agripreneur, managing large-scale farms and promoting food security in Nigeria, while also leaving his mark as a published playwright. His life story reflects a rare blend of public service, entrepreneurial spirit, and cultural influence, making him one of Nigeria’s most respected political figures.
| Full Name | Audu Innocent Ogbeh |
| Born | 28 July 1947, Otukpo, Benue State, Nigeria |
| Died | 9 August 2025 (aged 78) |
| Education | King’s College (Lagos); BA in French (Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria); Master’s (University of Toulouse, France) |
| Early Career | Lecturer at ABU (1972–1976); Head of Humanities, Murtala College (1977–1979) |
| Political Offices | Deputy Speaker, Benue State Assembly (1979–1982); Minister of Communications (1982–1983); Minister of Steel Development (1983); National Chairman, PDP (2001–2005); Minister of Agriculture & Rural Development (2015–2019) |
| Other Roles | Founder/Director at Efugo Farms; Member of National Constitutional Conference (1993); National Reconciliation Committee (1995) |
| Artistic Work | Playwright; authored multiple plays including Epitaph for Simon Kisulu staged at Muson Centre in 2002 |
| Spouse & Children | Married in 1975; father of five, including Ogwa Iweze |
| Legacy | Renowned for integrity, literary contribution, agricultural development, and public service across decades |
Early Life & Education
Born into a modest family in Otukpo, Benue State, Ogbeh’s upbringing was marked by intellectual curiosity and resilience. He completed his secondary studies at King’s College, Lagos, before earning a BA in French from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and later a Master’s degree in French Literature from the University of Toulouse in France.
Academic & Educational Career
He began his professional journey as a teaching assistant at ABU (1972–1976) and went on to lead the humanities department at Murtala College of Arts, Science and Technology (1977–1979).
Political Life & Public Service
Ogbeh transitioned into politics in 1979, becoming Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly. He was appointed Minister of Communications in 1982 and later headed the Steel Development ministry in 1983. Following the military coup, he focused on farming—transforming his academic prowess into agricultural enterprise.
He re-emerged in national politics when he chaired the PDP (2001–2005), demonstrating principled standpoints—including his opposition to a proposed third presidential term for Obasanjo, which led to his resignation in early 2005.
Under President Buhari, he served as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (2015–2019), channeling his expertise into the country’s agricultural advancement.
Agriculture & Literary Contribution
Returning to farming in the mid-1980s, Ogbeh built significant agricultural ventures—including rice mills, a 14,000-tree cashew plantation, poultry operations, and pineapple initiatives in Cross River State and beyond.
He also nurtured a creative side—authoring several plays, with Epitaph for Simon Kisulu gaining stage recognition in Lagos in 2002.
Personal Life
Ogbeh married in 1975 and was a father to five children, including Ogwa Iweze. His family described him as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, remembered for his integrity and service.
Passing & Public Remembrance
Chief Audu Ogbeh passed away peacefully on 9 August 2025 at the age of 78. His death prompted tributes from across Nigeria’s political spectrum, honoring his intellectual rigor, patriotism, and public service legacy
