FORMER EDO GOVERNOR SAYS ORBIH’S YEARS OF POLITICAL LEADERSHIP LEFT A MARK ON THE STATE AND NIGERIAN POLITICS
Former Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has expressed deep sadness over the death of Chief Dan Osi Orbih, describing the late politician as a prominent Edo son whose passing represents a major loss to Edo State and Nigeria.
Chief Orbih reportedly died on Monday, August 31, 2026, at the age of 64.
In a condolence message, Obaseki described the late politician as an influential voice in Edo State and a major figure in Nigerian politics.
Orbih was particularly known for his long involvement in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he served as Chairman of the party in Edo State before later becoming the National Vice Chairman, South South.
Obaseki said Orbih’s years of political engagement earned him an important place in the political history of Edo State.
The former governor acknowledged the contributions of the deceased to the development and growth of the PDP both in Edo State and at the national level.
According to Obaseki, Orbih provided leadership to the party at critical periods and remained an influential participant in political affairs for many years.
“Chief Orbih was a prominent figure in Nigerian politics and an influential voice in Edo State,” Obaseki said.
He described the death as a painful loss, particularly to Orbih’s family, political associates, friends and the wider Edo community.
Obaseki extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, including his wife, children, friends, political associates, colleagues and numerous well-wishers who mourn his passing.
He particularly sympathised with Orbih’s immediate family at what he described as a difficult period.
“His passing represents a significant loss to the state and the nation,” the former governor said.
The death of Chief Dan Orbih comes with memories of a politician who spent decades participating actively in Edo and South South politics.
His political career was closely associated with the PDP, particularly during periods of intense political competition in Edo State.
As the party’s state chairman, Orbih became one of the major political voices in the state and was involved in several major political developments.
His subsequent position as National Vice Chairman, South South, further expanded his political influence beyond Edo State.
For many political followers in Edo, Orbih was regarded as one of the politicians whose activities helped shape the political structure of the state over several years.
His death is therefore expected to generate reactions from political parties, government officials, former public office holders, political associates and other stakeholders across Edo State and the South South region.
Obaseki, who served as governor of Edo State from 2016 to 2024, said Orbih’s long years in public affairs could not be separated from the political history of the state.
He noted that the late politician’s contribution to party politics and public affairs had earned him a lasting place in Edo’s political development.
The condolence message also comes shortly after the Orbih family formally announced his death.
The family described his passing as a painful loss and appealed to friends, associates and well-wishers to remember the family in their prayers.
The family is expected to announce funeral arrangements in due course.
Chief Dan Osi Orbih was survived by his wife, Mrs. Florence Orbih, his children, Ms. Winifred Anwosiobor Orbih and Dr. Mildred Omonemi Orbih, as well as his brothers, sisters and other members of the extended family.
Obaseki prayed that God would grant the family the strength and fortitude to bear the loss.
He also prayed for the eternal rest of the late politician.
The death has opened another chapter in the political history of Edo State, as political leaders and residents reflect on Orbih’s decades of involvement in the state’s political affairs.
While political differences may have characterised different periods of his career, his death has brought together expressions of grief and recognition of his long service in public and party politics.
For Edo State, the passing of a politician who spent years at the centre of political developments represents the loss of one of the state’s experienced political voices.
As arrangements for his final rites are expected to be announced, tributes are likely to continue coming from across the political spectrum.
Obaseki’s message adds his voice to the growing expressions of sympathy following the death of Chief Dan Osi Orbih.
He ended his message by praying for the repose of the deceased and strength for his family and loved ones.
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