…Extol ex-minister’s integrity, service
President Bola Tinubu, the Arewa Consultative Forum, (ACF), and the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) have expressed deep grief over the death of former Minister of Agriculture, ex-PDP National Chairman, and elder statesman, Chief Audu Innocent Ogbeh, who passed away yesterday at the age of 78.
Ogbeh’s family announced his passing in a statement, prompting an outpouring of tributes from across the country.
In a condolence message by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the late politician as “a man of strong convictions who spoke the truth as he saw it” and “always ready with facts and figures to support his propositions”.
“Chief Ogbeh joined politics in the 70s as a legislator. He was an accomplished farmer, a seasoned administrator, and a man who believed deeply in Nigeria’s potential. The nation will sorely miss his insightful perspectives and wealth of experience”, Tinubu said, praising his indelible contributions to agriculture, political stability, and democratic growth.
The ACF, through its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, said Ogbeh was “a nationalist and committed son of Arewa,” and “one of the biggest farmers in Nigeria.” The Forum highlighted his long record of public service, including stints as Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, three-time minister, PDP chairman, and former chairman of ACF’s National Executive Council. Until his death, he was Deputy Chairman of the committee planning ACF’s 25th anniversary celebrations. “His was a life well led in the service of Nigeria, nay, humanity,”, the Forum said, sending condolences to his family, Benue State and the nation.
Similarly, NSGF Chairman and Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya, described Ogbeh as “a towering political figure, a statesman of uncommon intellect, and an iconic son of Northern Nigeria” who served with “integrity and commitment”. Yahaya said his passing was a huge loss not only to Benue and the North, but to the entire country, adding that his legacy of patriotism, humility, and public service would endure.
Condolences have continued to pour in from political associates, friends, and admirers, with prayers offered for the peaceful repose of his soul and comfort for his family during this period of grief.
