BENIN CITY — Edo State political circles were thrown into mourning following the death of prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain and former National Vice Chairman, South-South, Chief Daniel Osi Orbih.
Orbih died on Monday, August 31, 2026, at the age of 64, according to a statement issued by his family.
The statement, signed by Francis Udukhomoi Orbih, Esq., on behalf of the Orbih family, described his death as a painful loss.
It said the family received news of his passing with profound sadness and a heavy heart, but in submission to the will of God.
Orbih is survived by his wife, Mrs Florence Orbih; his children, Ms Winifred Anwosiobor Orbih and Dr Mildred Omonemi Orbih; his brothers and sisters, as well as other members of the extended family.
The family appealed to relatives, friends and well-wishers to remember them in their prayers as they mourn, adding that details of his burial arrangements and other funeral rites would be announced in due course.
Orbih, who was born on October 27, 1961, in Ogbona, Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State, was one of the most influential political figures in Edo State and the South-South geopolitical zone.
He rose through the ranks of the PDP to become Chairman of the party in Edo State and later National Vice Chairman, South-South.
He served for several years as Edo State PDP Chairman and became known for his prominent role in party organisation, political mobilisation and election campaigns in the state.
Orbih was also associated politically with the late Chief Tony Anenih, one of the founding leaders of the PDP and a dominant political figure in Edo State for several years.
In recent years, Orbih emerged as one of the leading figures of the Legacy Group within the Edo PDP and became a close political associate of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike.
His political group was involved in the prolonged internal crisis that rocked the Edo PDP during the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Orbih and his allies later supported the emergence of Senator Monday Okpebholo in the 2024 Edo governorship election.
Following Okpebholo’s assumption of office, Orbih was appointed Chairman of the Governing Council of the state-owned Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.
The council was inaugurated with a mandate to help reposition the institution and restore its academic standing.
Meanwhile, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has expressed grief over Orbih’s death, describing him as a true friend and committed political associate.
Wike described Orbih’s death as the fall of one of the biggest trees in the political forest of Edo State, saying he had lost a close friend and dependable political ally.
The FCT Minister extended his condolences to the Orbih family and associates, describing the deceased as a great politician and man of faith.
Also mourning Orbih, the Edo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) described his death as a major loss to the state’s political and public life.
In a condolence statement signed by the State Publicity Secretary of the party, Barr. Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, the APC described Orbih as a distinguished elder statesman, respected political leader and committed member of the PDP whose contributions transcended partisan boundaries.
The party said that as a prominent PDP chieftain and Chairman of the Governing Council of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Orbih distinguished himself through service, leadership and commitment to the development of institutions and society.
According to the APC, Orbih’s death was not only a loss to his immediate family and the PDP but also to Edo State and the wider political community.
The party said his death served as a reminder of the importance of recognising individuals who dedicated themselves to public service and the development of the state, irrespective of political differences.
It acknowledged Orbih’s years of service and leadership as well as the relationships he built across political and social divides, noting that his experience, wisdom and contributions to political discourse and public administration would be remembered.
The APC extended its condolences to Orbih’s family, friends, associates, political allies and colleagues, as well as the leadership and entire membership of the PDP in Edo State.
The party also commiserated with the Ambrose Alli University community and those who worked with Orbih in his capacity as Chairman of the institution’s Governing Council.
“His passing will undoubtedly be deeply felt by the institution and by the many lives his leadership touched,” the party said.
It urged the bereaved family to take solace in the legacy Orbih left behind and in the memories of a life devoted to leadership, service and the advancement of his community.
The APC said it stood in solidarity with the family and the PDP at the moment of grief, stressing that although political parties might differ in ideology and approach, moments of bereavement called for humanity, compassion and recognition of a shared commitment to the peace and progress of Edo State.
The party prayed God to grant Orbih’s family the strength to bear the loss and grant the deceased eternal rest.
Orbih’s death brings to an end a political career spanning several decades during which he played major roles in Edo State politics and the PDP at state, zonal and national levels.
Known for his grassroots political network, organisational ability and strong positions on internal party affairs, Orbih remained an influential figure in Edo politics until his death.
His passing is expected to leave a significant vacuum within his political network in Edo State, particularly among his associates in the PDP Legacy Group and the wider South-South political bloc.