From Attah Ede, Makurdi
The Benue State House of Assembly on Thursday held a valedictory session in honour of former deputy Speaker, and former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, who died on August 9th, 2025 at the age of 78.
Chief Ogbeh, a former Minister of Communication, was the Deputy Speaker of the first Benue Assembly from 1979 to 1982.
He represented Otukpa constituency of Ogbadibo LG in the State.
He was also a former national chairman of the main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), from 2001 to January 2005.
Until his death, Chief Audu Ogbeh was a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress APC in Benue State.
The valedictory session for the deceased was attended by some former members of the House and former deputy governor of the State, Chief Steven Lawani.
In his valedictory speech, Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Alfred Emberga, described the late Chief Audu Ogbeh as a selfless leader and brilliant legislator who advocated the rights and welfare of his constituents and left an indelible mark on the legislative arena.
“Chief Ogbeh demonstrated Brilliance in service to his people and Nigeria. From his records as a member of the House, all his motions were bothered on 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 on us to emulate him, having left an enduring legacy”, Emberga stated.
Also speaking, Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, while condoling the family of late Ogbeh, maintained that the former deputy speaker shown enormous commitment to nation building.
Governor Alia, who was represented by his Deputy, Barr. Sam Odeh, said that Benue as a whole, feels deeply sad over his passage, stressing that his legacy embodied dedication and vision.
“Our father leaves a heritage. He demonstrated leadership quality in fairness and served the people justly. In 2001 to 2005, Ogbeh was a national Chairman of PDP. A very workaholic and playwright, who carried the name of Benue with pride.
“He was an embodiment of integrity and ambassador of the State shinning through his actions”, Alia said.
The member representing Ogbadibo State Constituency, Mr. Samuel Agada spoke on behalf of Zone C legislators, while Jabi sooke for Zone B legislators, and Cephas Dyakor who spoke for House members from Zone A, all acknowledged the contributions of Chief Ogbeh to legislative activities and the legacy he left behind that had continued to inspire many upcoming legislators.
