By Ben Adoga with agency report
The passing of the political titan, Chief Daniel Orbih has thrown the entire political landscape into a deep mourning as his political associates, family members and friends have expressed grief over this irreparable loss.
Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo, friends and political associates yesterday expressed deep condolences to the Orbih family on the loss of their son, Chief Dan Osi Orbih, Chairman of the Governing Council of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, describing him as a bridge-builder and a voice of reason.
Reflecting on his dedication to institutional leadership and educational excellence, the governor described Orbih’s death as a significant loss to his family, Edo State, and the university community.
Okpebholo, described Chief Orbih as an astute political leader and in his service as AAU Governing Council Chairman, Chief Orbih demonstrated unwavering commitment to advancing the university’s developmental agenda and played an instrumental role in strengthening ties between the state government and the institution.
The governor prayed that the Almighty would grant the family, friends, and colleagues the fortitude to bear this loss, and that Chief Orbih’s legacy of service would continue to inspire generations of students and educators in Edo State.
*Wike: I have lost a true friend
Also, Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has described the death of Chief Daniel Orbih, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Vice-Chairman (South South), as “painful”.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Orbih passed away on Monday at the age of 64 and is survived by his wife, Mrs Florence Orbih, and the children, Miss Winifred Orbih and Dr Mildred Orbih.
Wike, in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Mr Lere Olayinka, in Abuja on Tuesday, said: “I lost a true friend and political associate”.
The minister, who said Orbih was “a friend indeed”, described his demise as the ‘fall of one of the biggest trees in the political forest of Edo’.
“I have lost a friend and a committed political ally. Daniel Orbih was everything anyone could desire in friendship and political associates. But we can’t question God. He gives and He takes.
“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 Daniel Orbih, a good friend, a great politician and a man of faith in the Almighty God.
“He will be missed by all. May his soul rest in peace,” Wike remarked. (NAN)
•Obaseki says his death great loss to Edo
Former Governor of Edo, Godwin Obaseki, yesterday mourned the passing of former Edo PDP Chairman, Chief Dan Orbih, at the age of 64, saying that his death represents a significant loss to Edo.
Obaseki, a visiting Scholar and Researcher at the School of African Studies, Boston University, USA, described Orbih as a prominent figure and influential voice in Edo.
In a statement in Benin, Obaseki said Orbih’s contributions to Nigerian politics and the PDP remained significant, particularly during his years of service in Edo.
“I received with profound sadness the news of the passing of Chief Dan Osi Orbih, a prominent Edo son and renowned politician who passed away at the age of 64.
“For many years, he provided leadership to the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State as its State Chairman and subsequently served as the PDP National Vice Chairman, South South.
“Through these roles, he contributed significantly to the development of the party in the Edo State and Nigeria, ” he said.
Obaseki noted that Orbih’s long years of engagement in public affairs earned him a place in the political history of Edo, describing his death as significant.
He said the former PDP chairman’s death represented a significant loss to Edo State and Nigeria, while commiserating with his family, friends and political associates.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the family of Chief Dan Osi Orbih, his friends, political associates, colleagues and numerous well-wishers.
“I particularly sympathise with his wife, children and loved ones at this difficult time.
“May God grant his family the strength and fortitude to bear this painful loss, and may He grant Chief Dan Osi Orbih eternal rest.” Obaseki said.
•Family seeks prayers for deceased
The family of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) National Vice-Chairman (South South), Chief Daniel Orbih, has confirmed his death, saying he passed away on Monday.
The family made the confirmation in a statement issued on Tuesday in Benin by Mr Francis Orbih, on behalf of the family.
It described the deceased as a beloved brother, husband, father and uncle, saying his death was received with “profound sadness and a heavy heart”.
The family said that the late politician is survived by his wife, Mrs Florence Orbih, and his children, Ms Winifred Orbih and Dr Mildred Orbih as well as brothers, sisters and 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,” the statement said.
The family said further details concerning the burial and other arrangements would be announced in due course.
It urged family members, friends and well-wishers to continue to pray for the family during the mourning period.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Orbih was a former PDP Chairman in Edo before later serving as the party’s National Vice Chairman, South-South.
A former Edo Governor, Godwin Obaseki, had earlier described Orbih’s death as a significant loss to the state and Nigeria.
Obaseki said Orbih’s long years of engagement in public affairs earned him a place in the political history of the state.
He extended his condolences to the deceased’s wife, children, family members, political associates, colleagues and well-wishers. (NAN)