Wike, Okpebholo mourn as Edo PDP chieftain Orbih dies

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, among others, on Tuesday mourned the death of prominent Edo politician and Peoples Democratic Party National Vice Chairman, South-South, Chief Daniel Osi Orbih.

Orbih reportedly died on Monday, August 31, 2026, according to a statement issued by his younger brother, Francis Orbih, on behalf of the family, on Tuesday.

The statement read, “With profound sadness and a heavy heart but in total submission to the will of the Almighty God, the family of Chief M.C.K. Orbih announces the passing of our beloved brother, husband, father and uncle, Chief Daniel Osi Orbih, who passed away on Monday, 31 August 2026.

“He is survived by his wife, Mrs Florence Orbih; his children, Ms Winifred Anwosiobor Orbih and Dr Mildred Omonemi Orbih; his brothers and sisters; as well as other members of the extended family.

At this difficult time, we ask family members, friends and well-wishers to remember the entire family in their prayers as we mourn this painful loss. Further details will be announced in due course. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”

Orbih was, until his death, the chairman of the Governing Council of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.

Following the announcement, Wike, in a condolence message issued on Tuesday through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, described Orbih’s death as painful and a major loss to the political community in Edo State.

He mourned the deceased PDP chieftain, describing him as a true friend and committed political ally.

“I have lost a friend and a committed political ally. Dan Osi Orbih was everything anyone could desire in friendship and political association. But we can’t question God. He gives, and He takes,” Wike said.

He described the deceased as “a friend indeed,” adding that his death represented “the fall of one of the biggest trees in the political forest of Edo State.”

Wike added, “On behalf of myself, my family and political associates, I commiserate with the family of Chief M.C.K. Orbih, on the demise of Chief Dan Orbih, a good friend, a great politician, and a man of faith in the Almighty God.”

He prayed for the repose of Orbih’s soul and strength for his family to bear the loss.

Okpebholo, on his part, expressed condolences to the Orbih family, describing the deceased as a bridge-builder, voice of reason and astute political leader.

In a statement issued on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele, the governor said Orbih demonstrated unwavering commitment to advancing the university’s developmental agenda and strengthening ties between the state government and the institution

The governor described his death as a significant loss to his family, Edo State and the university community.

He prayed that God would grant the family, friends and colleagues the fortitude to bear the loss, adding that Orbih’s legacy of service would continue to inspire generations of students and educators in Edo State.

The management of Ambrose Alli University also expressed shock over Orbih’s death, saying it had created a painful void in the institution, Edo State and Nigeria.

In a statement by the Principal Assistant Registrar and Head of Information, Protocol and Public Relations, Mike Aladenika, the university said Orbih, as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the governing council, demonstrated a deep commitment to the welfare of the university and its community.

The statement read, “He was passionate about the restoration of the University’s dignity and reputation and consistently advocated initiatives that would promote academic excellence, good governance, institutional stability and sustainable development.

“At this difficult moment, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Eunice Omonzejie, on behalf of the governing council, management, staff and students of Ambrose Alli University, extends heartfelt condolences to the wife, children, siblings and the entire Orbih family.”

The Edo State chapter of the PDP also mourned Orbih, describing him as a prominent statesman whose contributions to the political development and democratic governance of Edo State and Nigeria remained significant

In a statement by its chairman, Nosa Ogieva-Okunbor, and secretary, Hilary Otsu, the party said Orbih’s death marked the loss of a respected figure whose influence extended across communities, institutions and generations.

The statement said, “Throughout his decades of service, Chief Orbih was recognised for his steadfast commitment to public leadership, party unity, and the advancement of democratic ideals within Edo State, the South-South geopolitical zone and across Nigeria.”

The former Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, also described Orbih as a prominent figure in Nigerian politics and an influential voice in Edo State.

Obaseki noted that Orbih provided leadership to the PDP in Edo State for many years as its state chairman before becoming the party’s National Vice Chairman, South-South.

He said Orbih contributed significantly to the development of the party in Edo State and Nigeria through the various positions he held.

According to Obaseki, Orbih’s long years of engagement in public affairs earned him a place in the political history of Edo State, adding that his death represented a significant loss to the state and the nation.