The Benue State House of Assembly on Thursday held a special valedictory sitting in honour of Chief Audu Ogbeh, the former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, who passed away on August 9, 2025, at the age of 78.
Governor Hyacinth Alia, represented by his deputy, Sam Ode, led the session and paid glowing tribute to the late elder statesman. He described Ogbeh as a man of vision, fairness, and integrity whose life and service left an enduring mark on Benue State and Nigeria.
“Chief Ogbeh was more than a politician; he was a statesman, playwright, and leader whose dedication and sense of justice defined his public life. He carried the name of Benue with pride and embodied integrity in all he did,” Alia said.
Speaker of the House, Alfred Emberga, also extolled Ogbeh’s contributions, recalling his time as a legislator and national political figure. Emberga noted that Ogbeh’s motions in the Assembly consistently addressed the welfare and development needs of the people, adding that he was “a principled, vocal, and selfless legislator who served with uncommon brilliance.”
Ogbeh’s political career stretched from the Second Republic, when he represented Otukpa State Constituency in Ogbadibo Local Government from 1979 to 1982, serving as Deputy Speaker of the Benue Assembly under the National Party of Nigeria. He later became National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) between 2001 and 2005 before joining the All Progressives Congress (APC), where he was appointed Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.
The valedictory session was attended by dignitaries, including former deputy governor Steven Lawani and past lawmakers. Legislators from the state’s three senatorial districts—Cephas Dyako, Jabi Sooke, and Samuel Agada—also delivered heartfelt tributes, describing Ogbeh as a mentor and role model whose influence shaped both Benue politics and the aspirations of younger generations.
