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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja; Tony Osauzo and Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared three days of mourning for its National Vice Chairman, South-South, Dan Osi Orbih, as tributes continued to pour in for the Edo politician who died in London on Monday.
The party directed its offices across the country to fly the PDP flag at half-mast for three days in his honour.
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike; Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo; former governor Godwin Obaseki; the Edo State chapters of the PDP and All Progressives Congress (APC), as well as Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, where Orbih served as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, joined in mourning him.
The PDP, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, described Orbih as a loyal and dependable party leader whose contributions to Nigeria’s democracy would not be forgotten.
“Chief Dr. Dan Orbih was a loyal, committed and dependable member of the Peoples Democratic Party who devoted himself to the ideals of democracy and the advancement of our great party.
“His dedication, wisdom and contributions to the growth and stability of the PDP will remain deeply appreciated and fondly remembered by the party and its members,” it said.
The party particularly commiserated with Wike, describing Orbih as his close confidant, trusted associate and friend.
“As a mark of honour and respect for the late National Vice Chairman, the National Working Committee hereby directs all Peoples Democratic Party offices to fly the party flag at half-mast for a period of three days,” it said.
Wike described Orbih’s death as a devastating personal loss and “the fall of one of the biggest trees in the political forest of Edo State.”
“I have lost a friend and a committed political ally. Dan Osi Orbih was everything anyone could desire in friendship and political associate. But we can’t question God. He gives and He takes,” he said.
The FCT Minister said Orbih would be sorely missed by his family, friends and political associates.
“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,” Wike said.
In Edo, the state chapter of the PDP described Orbih’s death as the loss of a “political colossus” whose influence stretched beyond partisan politics.
In a statement by its State Chairman, Nosa Ogieva-Okunbor, and Secretary, Hillary Otsu, the party described his death as a monumental loss to the PDP, Edo State, the South-South and Nigeria.
It said Orbih’s decades of political and public service and commitment to democratic governance, party unity and political development had left an enduring mark.
“His passing represents the loss of a formidable political leader and elder whose voice, experience and dedication played an important role in the growth of democratic practice within the South-South and across Nigeria,” the Edo PDP said.
The party said Orbih’s influence went beyond politics to communities and institutions and commiserated with his family, associates and PDP members.
Okpebholo described Orbih as a bridge-builder and voice of reason whose death was a loss to Edo State and the AAU community.
The governor said Orbih demonstrated commitment to institutional leadership and educational excellence as Chairman of the university’s Governing Council and played an important role in strengthening relations between the state government and the institution.
He prayed that Orbih’s legacy of service would continue to inspire future generations.
Obaseki described him as a prominent Edo son and influential politician whose long involvement in public affairs earned him a place in the state’s political history.
The former governor recalled Orbih’s years as Edo State PDP Chairman and subsequently National Vice Chairman, South-South, saying he contributed significantly to the party in Edo and nationally.
The Edo APC also mourned Orbih, describing him as a respected political leader whose contributions transcended partisan boundaries.
In a statement by its State Publicity Secretary, Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, the party said Orbih’s years of political leadership, experience and relationships across political divides would be remembered.
It commiserated with the Orbih family, PDP and AAU, saying political differences should give way to humanity and compassion in moments of bereavement.
AAU said Orbih’s contributions to the institution would remain “indelible” in its history.
In a statement on behalf of Vice-Chancellor, Eunice Omonzejie, the university said its Governing Council, Senate, management, staff and students received news of his death with shock and sadness.
The statement, issued by the institution’s Head of Information, Protocol and Public Relations, Mike Aladenika, said Orbih brought experience, courage, wisdom and a strong sense of responsibility to his position as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council.
It said his tenure was marked by efforts to reposition the university, restore its reputation and strengthen its capacity to provide quality education.
The university said Orbih was particularly passionate about good governance, academic excellence, institutional stability and sustainable development.
“His contributions to the growth and transformation of Ambrose Alli University will remain indelible in the history of the institution,” it said.
AAU said Orbih also championed initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of the university community and restoring the institution’s dignity.
It extended condolences to his wife, children, siblings and other members of his family, saying his legacy of service would continue to inspire the university community.
Orbih, 64, was born on October 27, 1961, in Ogbona, Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State and rose to become one of the most influential PDP figures in Edo and the South-South.
He served for several years as Edo State PDP Chairman before becoming the party’s National Vice Chairman, South-South, and was politically associated with the late Tony Anenih.
Orbih later emerged as leader of the PDP Legacy Group in Edo and became a close political ally of Wike during the prolonged internal disagreements within the state chapter.
Although he remained in the PDP, Orbih and his political allies backed Okpebholo in the 2024 Edo governorship election. He was subsequently appointed Chairman of AAU’s Governing Council by the Okpebholo administration.
His family announced his death “with profound sadness and a heavy heart but in total submission to the will of the Almighty God.”
Orbih is survived by his wife, Florence; daughters, Winifred Anwosiobor and Mildred Omonemi; siblings and other members of his extended family.
The family said burial arrangements would be announced later.
