Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia on Thursday led a valedictory session of the State House of Assembly in memory of former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, who died on August 9, 2025, at the age of 78.
Represented by his deputy, Sam Ode, Governor Alia praised Ogbeh as “a statesman whose legacy embodied dedication, vision, and integrity.”
He added, “Our father left a heritage. He demonstrated leadership quality, in fairness and served the people justly. From 2001 to 2005, Ogbeh was national chairman of PDP.
He was a workaholic and playwright, who carried the name of Benue with pride. He was an embodiment of integrity and an ambassador of the state, shining through his actions.”
House Speaker Alfred Emberga also celebrated Ogbeh’s record as a lawmaker and public servant, calling him a principled leader whose motions consistently focused on the welfare and development of his people and the state.
“Chief Ogbeh demonstrated brilliance in service to his people and Nigeria. From his records as a member of the House, all his motions centred on the welfare and development of his people and the entire state.
Our senior member was a very vocal and effective legislator who endeared himself to his constituents with activism. He served his people selflessly, and it behoves us to emulate him, having left an enduring legacy,” Emberga said.
Ogbeh’s political journey began in the Second Republic when he represented Otukpa State Constituency of Ogbadibo Local Government Area 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) from 2001 to 2005, and went on to serve as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development after joining the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Thursday’s session drew dignitaries such as former deputy governor Steven Lawani and several ex-legislators, while lawmakers from the state’s three senatorial districts Cephas Dyakor, Jabi Sooke, and Samuel Agada offered glowing tributes highlighting Ogbeh’s lasting influence on Benue politics and younger lawmakers.
‘Our father left a heritage’ — Gov Alia leads tribute to late Audu Ogbeh