FAMILY ANNOUNCES DEATH OF FORMER PDP SOUTH-SOUTH LEADER AS POLITICAL COMMUNITY MOURNS
Chief Daniel Osi Orbih, a prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and influential figure in Edo State politics, has died.
The Orbih family announced his death following his passing on Monday, August 31, 2026.
The announcement has triggered reactions across Edo State and the wider political community, where Chief Orbih was known as a major political operator and a long-standing figure within the PDP.
In a statement signed by Francis Udukhomoi Orbih, Esq., on behalf of the Orbih family, the family described the death as a painful loss and said it was accepting the development in total submission to the will of God.
The family announced that Chief Daniel Osi Orbih was survived by his wife, Mrs. Florence Orbih; his children, Ms. Winifred Anwosiobor Orbih and Dr. Mildred Omonemi Orbih; his brothers and sisters; and other members of the extended family.
The family appealed to relatives, friends, political associates and well-wishers to remember them in their prayers as they mourn the loss.
Further details concerning the burial and funeral arrangements, according to the family, will be announced later.
Chief Dan Orbih was one of the better-known political figures from Edo State and played a major role in the affairs of the PDP at both state and national levels.
He served as Chairman of the PDP in Edo State and later became National Vice Chairman of the party in the South-South, a position that placed him at the centre of political developments across the region.
His political career spanned several years and included participation in party committees, election campaigns and national political activities.
Orbih was particularly influential within the PDP during periods of intense political contestation in Edo State and the South-South.
He was also widely recognised as a close political associate of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
His relationship with Wike became particularly prominent during the internal crisis that affected the PDP, with Orbih emerging as one of the influential figures aligned with the former Rivers State governor.
The political crisis within the PDP produced deep divisions among its leaders, particularly over the leadership of the party, its presidential politics and the direction of the organisation.
Orbih remained an important voice within the party during those difficult periods.
Beyond politics, available profiles of the late politician indicate that he was also involved in business and community activities.
He was associated with business interests in Nigeria and had links to the oil and petroleum-related sector.
His public profile also extended into community development and social activities, particularly in Edo State.
Orbih hailed from Ogbona in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State and was regarded as an important political and community figure from the area.
His political journey was closely connected to the development of opposition politics in Edo State, particularly during the years when the PDP was one of the dominant political forces in the state.
For years, his name was associated with the political machinery of the PDP in Edo and the wider South-South region.
His death therefore comes at a politically sensitive period as political parties across Nigeria begin preparations and realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The passing of such an experienced political figure is expected to be felt within the PDP, particularly among members who worked closely with him over the years.
While the family has not disclosed the cause of his death, it has asked members of the public to respect the family’s privacy and remember them in prayers during the mourning period.
Reports from Nigerian media confirmed that the family formally announced his death on Tuesday, September 1, following his death the previous day.
The death has also generated attention because of Orbih’s long political history and his role in Edo and South-South politics.
His passing marks the end of a significant chapter in the political career of a man who spent decades participating in Nigeria’s increasingly competitive political environment.
Chief Dan Orbih was not simply a party official. He was part of a generation of politicians who built their influence through years of grassroots mobilisation, party organisation and political negotiations.
His supporters regarded him as a strong political strategist who understood the structure and dynamics of Edo politics.
His critics, like many prominent politicians, had their own views of his political methods and alliances.
But there is little doubt that his name became firmly established in the political history of Edo State and the PDP.
The late politician’s political relevance also extended beyond Edo, particularly through his position as National Vice Chairman, South-South, of the PDP.
That position gave him a voice in national discussions concerning the party and the interests of the South-South geopolitical zone.
His close association with Wike further increased his visibility during the PDP’s internal battles.
As the party prepares for another major political cycle, Orbih’s absence will be felt by political associates who had relied on his experience and understanding of party politics.
The family has, however, not announced a date for the funeral.
It said details of the funeral arrangements would be communicated in due course.
Friends, political associates and well-wishers are expected to continue paying their respects to the family as arrangements are made for his final rites.
The Orbih family has appealed for prayers and support at this difficult time.
Chief Daniel Osi Orbih’s death represents another major loss to Edo State’s political community, particularly to those who worked with him throughout his long career in the PDP.
As tributes begin to emerge, attention will now turn to his political legacy, his contribution to the PDP and the impact of his absence on the party’s political structure in Edo State and the South-South.
For a man who spent decades in the political arena, his departure will undoubtedly generate discussions about his role in the evolution of opposition politics in Edo and his place in the history of the PDP.
The family has asked Nigerians to remember the deceased and the entire Orbih family in prayer.
May Chief Daniel Osi Orbih’s soul rest in perfect peace.
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