Okpebholo, Wike, Obaseki mourn PDP’s chieftain, Dan Orbih

Chris Akhabue, Edo  

High Chief Daniel Osikheme Orbih, popularly known and called Chief Dan Orbih, Kulukulu 1 of the Universe, has reportedly passed away in a London hospital after a brief illness.

A former Edo State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and later South-South Zonal Chairman of the PDP was until his death the Chairman of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Governing body and a strong ally of the FCT Minister, Mr. Nyeson Wike.

He was widely regarded as one of the most vibrant and formidable opposition leaders in Edo State during his tenure as PDP Chairman, a political force whose style and influence remain difficult to match till date.

Similarly, former governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, Visiting Scholar and Researcher, School of African Studies, Boston University, USA said that Dan Orbih was a prominent figure in Nigerian politics and an influential voice in Edo State.

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 Edo State and Nigeria.

“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.

“Chief Orbih’s long years of engagement in and affairs earned him a place in the political history of Edo State, and his passing represents a significant loss to the state and the nation.

“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”

In his reaction, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has mourned the death of the Peoples Democratic Party National Vice Chairman (South-South), Chief Dan Orbih, describing him as a true friend and committed political ally.

Orbih died on Monday, August 31, 2026, according to a statement issued by his family and signed by Francis Udukhomoi Orbih.

“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,” the statement partly read.

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

“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 Orbih’s death represented “the fall of one of the biggest trees in the political forest of Edo State.”

“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,” the Minister added.

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

Orbih is survived by his wife, Florence; his children, Winifred Anwosiobor Orbih and Dr Mildred Omonemi Orbih; his siblings and other members of his extended family.

For a better society

Follow us across our platforms:

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/championnewsonline/
Facebook – https://web.facebook.com/championnewsonline
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/champion-newspapers-limited/
https://x.com/championnewsng/

You can also like and comment on our YouTube videos.
https://youtu.be/QIBfD1tT80w?si=R4Qf3so2LxYu3GC2