*As He Is Laid to Rest in Otukpa
By Morgan Adikwu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday led tributes to former Minister of Communications, former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, and one-time National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Audu Innocent Ogbeh, OFR (1947–2025), who was laid to rest at his country home in Otukpa, Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, the President described Ogbeh as “a statesman of integrity and vision who devoted his life to the service of the nation through agriculture, politics, and education.” He urged Nigerians to emulate the late politician’s patriotism and unshakable commitment to the common good.
The requiem Mass at St. Francis Catholic Church, Otukpa, drew an unprecedented crowd of mourners and was followed by the interment at the family compound, witnessed by prominent politicians, family members, friends, and well-wishers from far and near.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were former Anambra State Governor, Dr. Chris Ngige; Arc. Anthony Obekpa; Hon. Mathias Terwase Byuan, Executive Director, Finance, Housing and Administration, Federal Housing Authority; Hon. Barr. Pius Akutah, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers Council; Nick Wende, North Central Representative, Niger Delta Development Commission; Prof. Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources; Senator Titus Zam; Elder Jack Tilley Gyado; Chief Akange Audu; Elder Simon Shango; Col. Edwin Jando (Rtd.); Hon. Samuel Agada Awuchi, member of the Benue State House of Assembly representing Ogbadibo and other prominent stakeholders from Benue South.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) featured prominently at the event, with the State Chairman, Comrade Austin Agada, leading the party’s delegation. Agada, who hails from the same local government as Ogbeh and shared a father–son relationship with him, spoke glowingly of the late statesman, describing him as “a political mentor, a guide, and a compass for our generation.”
Following the burial, dignitaries were hosted at the Otukpa residence of Chief (Dr.) Silva E. Ameh, FCNA, FNIM, MON, the Ojebo K’ Idoma, who expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, and other well-wishers who travelled from across the country to honour the memory of Chief Ogbeh. Chief Ameh said Ogbeh’s passing “leaves an unfillable void, yet his legacy will continue to inspire generations.”
