Published by Osasere Edomwonyi Ikpoba
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has led an outpouring of grief following the death of Chief Dan Osi Orbih, a former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Edo State and Chairman of the Governing Council of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma. Orbih passed away on Monday, August 31, 2026, at the age of 64, according to a statement issued by his family and signed by his younger brother, Francis Udukhomoi Orbih, Esq.. The announcement has sent shockwaves through Edo State’s political and academic circles, with tributes pouring in from across the political divide.
Governor Okpebholo, who had appointed Orbih as Chairman of the AAU Governing Council in 2024, expressed deep condolences to the Orbih family, describing the late chieftain as a “bridge-builder and a voice of reason”. In a statement issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Akhere Ebojele, the governor reflected on Orbih’s dedication to institutional leadership and educational excellence, describing his death as a significant loss to his family, Edo State, and the university community. “Reflecting on his dedication to institutional leadership and educational excellence, the governor described Orbih’s death as a significant loss to his family, Edo State, and the university community,” the statement read.
Governor Okpebholo praised Orbih as an astute political leader who, in his capacity as AAU Governing Council Chairman, demonstrated unwavering commitment to advancing the university’s developmental agenda. The governor noted that Orbih played an instrumental role in strengthening ties between the state government and the institution, a relationship that had been critical to the university’s restoration efforts following years of administrative challenges. “Chief Orbih brought to the leadership of the Governing Council a wealth of experience, courage, wisdom and an unwavering commitment to the advancement of Ambrose Alli University,” the governor said. Governor Okpebholo prayed that the Almighty would grant the family, friends, and colleagues the fortitude to bear the loss, adding that Orbih’s legacy of service would continue to inspire generations of students and educators in Edo State.
The Peoples Democratic Party, in a statement signed by its Edo State Chairman, Nosa Ogieva-Okunbor, and Secretary, Hillary Otsu, said Orbih’s death was received with heavy hearts. The party described him as a prominent statesman whose contributions to Edo State and Nigeria’s political development and democratic governance remain deeply significant. “Throughout his decades of service, Chief Orbih was recognised for his steadfast commitment to public leadership, party unity, and the advancement of democratic ideals within Edo State, the South-South geopolitical zone and across Nigeria,” the party said. The PDP noted that Orbih’s passing marked the loss of a respected figure whose influence extended across communities, institutions, and generations.
The management of Ambrose Alli University also issued a heartfelt tribute, describing Orbih’s death as having created a painful void not only in the institution but also in Edo State and Nigeria at large. The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Eunice Omonzejie, said that as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Orbih demonstrated a deep commitment to the welfare of the university and its community. “He was passionate about the restoration of the university’s dignity and reputation and consistently advocated initiatives that would promote academic excellence, good governance, institutional stability and sustainable development,” the university’s statement read. The university noted that Orbih’s tenure was marked by a strong desire to reposition the institution, restore its lost glory, and strengthen its capacity to provide quality education.
Orbih was a towering figure in Edo State politics. He served as Chairman of the PDP in Edo State and later as the party’s National Vice Chairman for the South-South geopolitical zone. He was also a close political ally of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. In 2024, Governor Okpebholo appointed Orbih as Chairman of the Governing Council of Ambrose Alli University, a move that was widely seen as a bipartisan gesture given Orbih’s PDP affiliation. The appointment was announced in a statement by the then Secretary to the Edo State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor. Despite his party affiliation, Orbih had been a vocal supporter of Governor Okpebholo’s developmental strides, describing the governor as a man of humility and honour. He had previously backed the governor’s administration and played a significant role in the political realignments that shaped Edo State’s recent political history.
Orbih’s political journey was not without controversy. He was suspended by the PDP in 2024 over his actions and utterances during the Edo State governorship primary election. He also had a strained relationship with the immediate past Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, whom Orbih accused of destroying the PDP in the state. Despite these tensions, Orbih remained a respected figure whose influence transcended party lines. Former Governor Obaseki, in his own tribute, described Orbih as a prominent figure in Nigerian politics and an influential voice in Edo State, noting that his passing represented a significant loss to the state and the nation.
Orbih is survived by his wife, Mrs. Florence Orbih, and his children, Miss Winifred Anwosiobor Orbih and Dr. Mildred Omonemi Orbih. The family has requested privacy during this period of mourning and has indicated that further announcements regarding funeral arrangements and related activities will be communicated in due course.
The tributes to Orbih reflect the profound impact he had on Edo State’s political and educational landscape. From his decades of service in the PDP to his leadership at Ambrose Alli University, Orbih’s legacy is one of commitment, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the power of public service. As Governor Okpebholo aptly noted, Orbih was a bridge-builder and a voice of reason—a figure who, even in death, continues to unite those who mourn him. His passing leaves a void that will not easily be filled, but his contributions to Edo State and Nigeria will endure for generations to come.
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