Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Chief Audu Ogbeh, a former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development and one-time National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Chief Ogbeh passed away on Saturday at the age of 78.
In a statement released by his media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, from Uganda where he is currently on a visit, Obasanjo described the late politician as peace-loving, humble, and a true patriot who believed strongly in democracy and good governance.
He praised Ogbeh’s long and distinguished career in public service, which spanned from Nigeria’s military era to the current democratic dispensation.
“Chief Audu Ogbeh was a man of immense goodwill and was highly respected by his people,” Obasanjo said. “From Deputy Speaker of Plateau House of Assembly in the 1970s, to Minister of Communications (1982–1983), PDP National Chairman (2001–2005), and later Minister of Agriculture (2015–2019), his commitment to national development never wavered.”
Obasanjo noted that Ogbeh played a key role in shaping Nigeria’s political landscape and would be greatly missed at all levels — community, state, party, and national.
He prayed for comfort for Ogbeh’s family and peaceful rest for his soul.
Chief Audu Ogbeh, known for his calm personality and principled stand on national issues, was widely respected across party lines. His death marks the end of an era for many who worked with him during Nigeria’s return to democracy.