Chief Dan Orbih: When Political Rivals Unite In Grief, Pay Tribute To Late Heavyweight

by Idahosa Moses | Benin

The death of Chief Dan Orbih, a prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has drawn tributes from political leaders across party lines, underscoring the enduring bonds of friendship, compassion and mutual respect that can transcend Nigeria’s often-divisive political landscape.

At a lying-in-state ceremony in Benin on Friday, political associates from the PDP and the All Progressives Congress (APC) gathered to honour the late politician, remembering him not only for his influence in Edo politics but also for his generosity, courage and personal relationships.

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, who received Orbih’s remains at the Benin Airport at about 9:55 a.m., described the deceased as more than a political associate, saying their relationship went beyond partisan affiliations.

“He was a brother,” the governor said at his residence, where family members, friends, political associates and government officials gathered for the lying-in-state ceremony.

The governor, who was accompanied by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Umar Ikhilor, expressed grief over the loss and prayed to God to grant the bereaved family the strength to endure the painful period.

The gathering reflected the personal connections that often endure despite the fierce disagreements that characterise political contests, as leaders from opposing parties set aside their differences to celebrate the life of a man whose influence extended across party boundaries.

For a PDP chieftain, Mr Pascal Ugbome, Orbih’s legacy was inseparable from his courage to speak out against wrongdoing, including when those involved were his closest friends.

Ugbome said the deceased demonstrated that opposition politics could be meaningful and productive, insisting that Orbih was never afraid to challenge people in authority when they abused or misused the opportunities entrusted to them.

His tribute portrayed Orbih as a politician who understood that public service demanded accountability and that personal loyalty should not come at the expense of principle.

The officiating priest, Rev. Fr. Palmer Ikponmwosa, described the late politician as a colossus of Edo politics, a master tactician, leader and kingmaker, highlighting the stature he attained during his years in public life.

An APC chieftain, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, offered a different but equally personal perspective, recalling Orbih as a generous and compassionate man whose kindness had touched many lives.

“I can only imagine how all those who benefited from his kindness must be feeling following his demise,” he said.

Orbih, who was also the late chairman of the Governing Council of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, was remembered by political associates as a figure whose relationships and contributions went beyond the boundaries of party membership.

The reception of his remains at the airport attracted several prominent figures, including Edo State Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa; Edo APC Chairman Jarrett Tenebe; former senator representing Edo South Senatorial District, Matthew Urhoghide; former member of the House of Representatives, Samson Osaigie; and Edo APC Deputy Chairman Sylvester Aigboboh.

Their presence at the ceremony offered a poignant reminder that, beyond political competition and differences in ideology, public life is also shaped by human relationships that can survive partisan divisions.

As family members, friends and associates mourned Orbih, the tributes that followed his death centred on the personal bonds he built, the people he helped and the courage with which he confronted those entrusted with power.