This study assesses the influence of opinion leaders on rural communication during the COVID-19 vaccination and Lassa fever prevention campaigns in Benue State. The study was anchored on the Two Step Flow theory. The survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised the entire rural dwellers in Benue State. Multistage sampling technique was used to draw 24 participants for the study. Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was used to elicit information from participants using Focus Group Discussion Guide. Data for the study were analyzed using inductive thematic approach. Findings have shown that, majority of rural dwellers got information about COVID-19 Vaccination and Lassa fever prevention from opinion leaders, such as church leaders, teachers and traditional rulers. It was also found that, opinion leaders had influence on rural dwellers’ compliance and participation in COVID-19 vaccination and Lassa fever prevention campaigns, despite some perceived resistance and hesitancy. Most rural dwellers were influenced by opinion leaders to improve their personal hygiene and food safety habits, but were not certain whether to refrain from eating bush rats or not. The study also found that opinion leaders are effective in rural communication campaigns in Benue State, irrespective of their message exaggerations and lack of credibility. The study concludes that opinion leaders are influential in rural communication for development campaigns in Benue State. The study recommends among others that development experts, government and private development partners should engage opinion leaders in development communication campaigns, especially those targeted at rural communities, as they complement mass media channels in achieving significant goals of social change.