Admiral Ogohi was born on November 14, 1948, in Lafia, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State. He joined the Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna in 1967 as a member of the 4th Regular Course and was commissioned into the Nigerian Navy in 1970. Specializing in underwater warfare, he began his military training in the United Kingdom in 1971 and attended the Sub-Lieutenant Technical Course in India in 1972. His advanced training included courses at the United States Naval War College in 1980 and 1991.
Throughout his distinguished career, Admiral Ogohi held numerous key positions in the Nigerian Navy, including:
- Commanding Officer of Nigerian Navy Ship YOLA (1976-1977)
- Commanding Officer of Nigerian Navy Ships OTOBO and DORINA (1980)
- Commanding Officer of Nigerian Navy Ship EKUN (1982)
- Naval Provost Marshall (1982)
- Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship ANANSA (1985-1986)
- Director of Administration at the Nigerian Defence Academy (1986-1987)
- Directing Staff at the National War College (1992-1993)
- Chief of Policy and Plans at the Naval Headquarters (1995)
- Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command (May 1996)
He was promoted to Rear Admiral in July 1996 and Vice Admiral in June 2000. Admiral Ogohi served as Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff from 1999 until his retirement as an Admiral in 2003 after 33 years of service.
Admiral Ogohi’s service decorations included the Forces Service Star, Passed Staff Course, Fellow of the United States War College, and Distinguished Fellow of the National War College. He was also conferred with the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic by President Olusegun Obasanjo.
General Musa, along with all Service Chiefs, extended condolences to Admiral Ogohi’s family and the Nigerian people, mourning the loss of a distinguished naval officer and elder statesman. General Musa noted that even in retirement, Admiral Ogohi continued to provide invaluable experience to the Armed Forces of Nigeria. He prayed for Almighty Allah to grant his soul rest in perfect peace.
