It was an emotional moment of tears, sorrow and pain in the office when the publisher and Executive Editor of Migrationwatch magazine, Onoja Saint Michael recieved the shocking news of the death of Chief Dan Agbese.
In a statement issued on behalf of the family by Okibe Agbese, Chief Dan Agbese departed to eternal glory on the morning of Monday, November 17, 2025, at the age of 81.
”The Agbese family of the Ikpilogwu clan in Agila district, Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, announces the passing of their husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and mentor, Chief Dan Agbese, the Awan’Otun of Agila”.
Born on May 12, 1944, in Agila, Chief Agbese was a distinguished journalist and author, widely acclaimed for his seminal contributions to journalism in Nigeria and known for his celebrated satirical columns
Agbese’s contribution in the pen profession cannot be quantified. Besides being a founder of pacesetting Newswatch magazine which was arguably Nigeria’s all-time best, he made journalism an admirable and attractive profession through his unique style of writing and groomed many writers .
But for late Chief Dan Agbese, Onoja would never have had anything to do with journalism and Migrationwatch magazine and it’s various versions may never have manifested.
The versatile journalist, in his lifetime, also served as editor of The Nigeria Standard newspaper, New Nigerian newspaper and General Manager at Radio Benue, Makurdi
Until his death, he authored several books, maintained weekly columns in prominent newspapers such as Daily Trust and The Guardian, and operated a media consultancy alongside his friends and colleagues—Ray Ekpu, Yakubu Muhammed, and Soji Akinrinade.
He is survived by his wife, Chief Rose Agbese, six children, and seven grandchildren and countless pen- children
Details of his burial arrangements will be communicated by the family in due course.
Migrationwatch wishes our hero eternal rest. Goodnight Dan Agbese
