A former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, is dead.
Ogbeh, who was also the former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) died on Saturday at the age of 74.
Ogbeh, born 28 July, 1947 was a farmer, playwright and politician.
In 1979, he ran for office in the Benue State House of Assembly on the Platform of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), becoming Deputy Speaker of the House.
In 1982, he was appointed Federal Minister of Communications, and later became Minister of Steel Development. His term of office ended in December 1983, when a military coup brought Major-General Muhammadu Buhari to power.
In 2001, he was appointed National Chairman of PDP, replacing Chief Barnabas Gemade. He held this position until January 2005, when he was forced to resign due to his criticism of President Olusegun Obasanjo’s handling of a crisis in Anambra State.
Talking to reporters, however, Ogbeh claimed that he resigned only to avoid conflict within the party, and due to a desire to return to farming.
He was also known for his literary works, and has written five plays which include three published works. One of his plays, the Epitaph of Simon Kisulu was staged at Muson Center in 2002.