By Ayodele Oni
Condolences are pouring like rain on the family of Chief Dan Orbih, the former Chairman of the People Democratic Party, PDP, Edo State, who passed on Monday, August 31, 2026.
Until his death in London at the age of 64, Orbih was the Chairman of the Governing Board of Ambrose Alli University, AAU, Ekpoma, Edo State.
Orbih was chairman of the PDP, as an opposition, during the days of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and first term of former Governor Godwin Obaseki as governors of Edo State.
A statement signed by Francis Orbih on behalf of the Orbih family said he died on Monday, August 31, 2026.
The statement said the family announces his death with profound sadness and a heavy heart, but in total submission to the will of the almighty God.
“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.
He added that details concerning the funeral arrangements would be announced in due course.
Reacting, former Governor Godwin Obaseki, expressed sorrow over the death of renowned politician and political leader.
Obaseki, currently a visiting scholar and researcher at the School of African Studies, Boston University, USA, released a statement describing the late politician as a prominent Edo son and an influential voice in Nigerian politics.
Highlighting his extensive political career, Obaseki noted that Chief Orbih provided steadfast leadership as the Edo State Chairman of the PDP and later served as the party’s National Vice Chairman for the South-South region, leaving a lasting impact on the development of the party both in the state and across Nigeria.
“Chief Orbih was a prominent figure in Nigerian politics and an influential voice in Edo State.
“For many years, he provided leadership to the 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.
“Chief Orbih’s long years of engagement in public 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.”
The FCT Minister, in his reaction, said the deceased was “a friend indeed.”
The FCT Minister, who described Dan Orbih’s death as the “fall of one of the biggest trees in the political forest of Edo State,” added that he will be missed by all.
The Minister said: “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.
“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 PDP, in a reaction, stated that it received with profound sadness the news of the passing of its National Vice Chairman, South West, Dr. Dan Orbih, who died in London after a brief illness.
“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.”
In a statement by Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, National Publicity Secretary, said “His death is a great loss, not only to his family and loved ones, but also to the entire PDP family.
“The PDP extends its deepest condolences to his immediate family, relatives, friends and associates, as well as to all members and supporters of our great Party.
“The Party particularly commiserates with the Hon. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, over the loss of his close confidant, trusted associate and friend.
“We share in his grief at this difficult moment and pray that Almighty God grants him the strength to bear this painful loss.
“Dr. Dan Orbih may have departed this world, but his service, loyalty and contributions to the PDP, as well as to our democratic journey, will not be forgotten.
“At this moment of grief, the Party stands firmly with his family and all those who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.
“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.
“We pray that Almighty God grants the bereaved family and his loved ones the strength and fortitude to bear this painful and irreparable loss.”
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