Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike and former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki have mourned the death of prominent politician and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Vice Chairman, South-South, Chief Daniel Osi Orbih.
Orbih died on Monday, 31 August 2026, according to a statement issued by his younger brother, Francis Orbih, on behalf of the family on Tuesday.
The family described his death as a painful loss and said he was survived by his wife, Florence Orbih; his children, Winifred Anwosiobor Orbih and Mildred Omonemi Orbih; his siblings and other members of the extended family.
The family appealed to relatives, friends and well-wishers to remember them in their prayers, saying further details about the funeral would be announced later.
Orbih was, until his death, the chairman of the Governing Council of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.
Reacting to the news, Wike described Orbih’s death as a major loss to Edo State’s political community, recalling their longstanding friendship and political association.
In a condolence message issued through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike said he had 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.
The FCT minister described Orbih as “a friend indeed” and said his death represented “the fall of one of the biggest trees in the political forest of Edo State”.
He condoled with the Orbih family and prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul and strength for his family to cope with the loss.
Okpebholo also expressed condolences to the Orbih family, describing the late politician as a bridge-builder, voice of reason and an astute political leader.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele, the governor said Orbih had demonstrated a strong commitment to the development of Ambrose Alli University and to strengthening the relationship between the institution and the state government.
Okpebholo described his death as a significant loss to his family, Edo State and the university community.
He prayed for God to grant his family, friends and colleagues the strength to bear the loss, saying Orbih’s legacy of service would continue to inspire students and educators in the state.
Ambrose Alli University mourns
The management of Ambrose Alli University expressed shock over Orbih’s death, saying his passing had created a significant void within the institution, Edo State and Nigeria.
In a statement signed by the Principal Assistant Registrar and Head of Information, Protocol and Public Relations, Mike Aladenika, the university said Orbih had shown a strong commitment to the welfare and development of the institution during his tenure as Pro-Chancellor and chairman of its governing council.
The university said he was passionate about restoring its dignity and reputation and consistently supported initiatives aimed at promoting academic excellence, good governance, institutional stability and sustainable development.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Eunice Omonzejie, extended condolences to Orbih’s wife, children, siblings and the wider family on behalf of the governing council, management, staff and students.
PDP, Obaseki pay tribute
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 were significant.
In a statement signed by the party’s chairman, Nosa Ogieva-Okunbor, and secretary, Hilary Otsu, the PDP said Orbih’s death marked the loss of a respected political figure whose influence extended across communities and generations.
The party said that throughout his decades in public life, Orbih had demonstrated commitment to public leadership, party unity and democratic ideals in Edo State, the South-South and Nigeria.
Former governor Obaseki described Orbih as a prominent figure in Nigerian politics and an influential voice in Edo State.
Obaseki recalled that Orbih led the PDP in Edo State as its chairman for several years before becoming the party’s National Vice Chairman, South-South.
He said Orbih made significant contributions to the development of the PDP in Edo State and Nigeria through the various positions he occupied.
According to Obaseki, Orbih’s decades of involvement in public affairs secured him a place in the political history of Edo State, while his death represented a significant loss to the state and the country.
