President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, have expressed deep sorrow over the death of elder statesman and former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Innocent Audu Ogbeh.

Chief Ogbeh, who also served as Minister of Communications in the Second Republic and as National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), passed away on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at the age of 78.

In a statement, Senate President Akpabio described the late Ogbeh as a “distinguished Nigerian who lived a life of service and integrity.” He lauded the deceased as “an intellectual storehouse whose legacy of dedication to Nigeria is a testament to his character,” noting that he would be greatly missed by friends, political associates, the people and government of Benue State, and the All Progressives Congress (APC). Akpabio prayed for God to grant the bereaved family the fortitude to bear the loss and for Ogbeh’s soul to find favour before God.

In a separate condolence message, Governor Alia described the news of Ogbeh’s passing as heartbreaking, recalling his distinguished political journey which began in 1979 when he was elected into the Benue State House of Assembly under the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), where he served as Deputy Speaker.

He praised the late politician’s illustrious career, which included stints as Minister of Steel Development, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, a respected farmer, and a playwright. “He lived a fulfilled life and earned the admiration of many,” Alia said, adding that Ogbeh’s contributions would remain evergreen.

The governor prayed for God’s comfort for the bereaved family, the Idoma nation, the people of Benue State, and Nigeria, as well as for the eternal repose of Chief Ogbeh’s soul.