Northern Elders Forum Mourns Elder Statesman Audu Ogbeh

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF), has expressed deep sorrow over the death of elder statesman Audu Innocent Ogbeh, who passed away in the early hours of Saturday, August 9, 2025.

Mr. Ogbeh was not only a national figure of great repute but also a valued member of the NEF’s Board of Trustees, a voice of wisdom, and a guiding presence in our deliberations. His counsel, integrity, and dedication to the unity and progress of Northern Nigeria and the nation as a whole will be sorely missed.

In a statement by NEF spokesperson Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere, the Forum described Ogbeh as “a principled democrat, a patriotic nationalist, and a tireless advocate for peace and cohesion.”

A respected farmer, politician, playwright, and intellectual, he served Nigeria with distinction as Minister of Communications (1982–1983) and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (2015–2019). He was a principled democrat, a patriotic nationalist, and a tireless advocate for peace and national cohesion.

The NEF extends its heartfelt condolences to his family, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Government and people of Benue State, the people of Northern Nigeria, and the entire nation. His passing is a personal loss to the Forum and a profound loss to Nigeria.

Paying tribute, the Forum hailed Ogbeh as, “A statesman of rare integrity, a patriot of unwavering conviction, and a cherished member of our own family. In our councils, he was a voice of reason and conscience; in the nation’s service, he was a bridge-builder, a reformer, and a steadfast advocate of unity and justice.

“His wisdom guided us, his humility inspired us, and his commitment to Nigeria’s progress strengthened us. Though the nation grieves, our loss is deeply personal, for we have lost not only a leader, but a trusted friend whose absence will be felt in every conversation about our shared future.”