09/08/2025
Another Icon Has Departed Our Political Landscape
My personal encounter with Chief Audu Ogbeh, of blessed memory, came during one of the most trying times for farmers—the COVID-19 lockdown. He was then serving as the Minister of Agriculture.
One evening, while returning from my farm during the lockdown, I was stopped by an overzealous police officer enforcing the no-movement order. Despite presenting my farmer ID, the farm logo on my truck, and even having live chickens and eggs clearly visible, the officer insisted my movement was illegal. He threatened to impound my truck and its contents, completely disregarding my identity and the essential nature of my work.
For hours, I was stranded—frustrated and helpless—until around 11 PM when I remembered the Ministry of Agriculture had set up a hotline for farmers in distress during the lockdown. Desperate, I called one of the numbers.
To my surprise, it was the Minister himself who answered.
“Yes, who are you?” he asked.
“I’m a farmer returning from my farm, sir,” I replied. “I’ve been detained by the police who claim my movement is illegal.”
“Have you identified yourself to them?”
“Yes sir. They still won’t let me go.”
“Give the phone to the most senior officer there.”
“He doesn’t want to speak to anyone, sir,” I said.
“Put the phone on speaker and go near him,” the Minister instructed.
Then he spoke—firmly and clearly:
“Officer, that man is a farmer. You have no right to detain him after he has identified himself. If you continue to hold him for another 10 minutes, I will instruct him to leave your location—and you will be held personally liable for the value of his truck, its contents, and any damages filed against you. I am the Honourable Minister of Agriculture.”
That single intervention rescued me from unjust treatment and renewed my hope in the system. Chief Audu Ogbeh not only stood up for me, but also encouraged me to stay the course in my legitimate farming business.
Many farmers suffered silently at the hands of overzealous law enforcement during that period. I do not know how many people the Honourable Minister personally intervened for, but I know he did for me—and I remain deeply grateful to him and to God for that moment, even to this day.
Now that he has passed on, I say:
Rest in peace, Chief Audu Ogbeh.
May your good deeds speak for you before the Almighty God.
To his family,
Please accept my deepest condolences.
May you find comfort in knowing he served with honor and made a difference in the lives of many—mine included.
