Okpebholo, AAU, PDP mourn Dan Orbih

By Jethro Ibileke

Condolence messages have continued to pour in to the family of the late chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Dan Orbih.

Orbih died of an undisclosed ailment on Monday, August 31, 2026, at a London hospital, where he was flown to for treatment.

The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, in a statement Tuesday evening by his Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele, described the deceased as a bridge-builder and a voice of reason.

It would be recalled the Okpebholo appointed Orbih as Chairman of Governing Council of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, a position he held till he passed away.

The Governor described Chief Orbih as an astute leader both in politics and in his service as AAU Governing Council Chairman.

“Chief Orbih demonstrated unwavering commitment to advancing the university’s developmental agenda and played an instrumental role in strengthening ties between the state government and the institution,” he said.

The management of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, has also expressed deep sorrow over the death of its Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Chief Dan Osi Orbih.

The Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Professor Mrs. Eunice Omonzejie, in a statement made on her behalf and made available to journalists by the Principal Assistant Registrar and Head of Information, Protocol and Public Relations, Otunba Mike Aladenika, described Orbih’s death as a major loss to the institution, Edo State and Nigeria.

“The university management, Governing Council, Senate, staff and students said they received the news of the death of the prominent statesman and political leader with profound shock and sadness.

“Chief Orbih brought extensive experience, courage, wisdom and a strong sense of responsibility to his role as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council.

“His tenure was characterised by a strong commitment to repositioning the institution, restoring its reputation and strengthening its capacity to provide quality education and contribute meaningfully to societal development.

“His contributions to the growth and transformation of Ambrose Alli University will remain indelible in the history of the institution,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Edo State, has described Orbih’s death as devastating and a monumental loss to the party, Edo State, the South-South region and Nigeria at large.

The ‘Orbih’ of the party in a statement jointly signed by the State Chairman, Nosa Ogieva-Okunbor, and State Secretary, Hillary Otsu, said Orbih’s passing had robbed the political class of one of its most formidable and influential figures, whose decades of service, political sagacity, resilience and commitment to democratic ideals left an indelible mark on the nation’s political landscape.

It added that his contributions to the growth and strengthening of the PDP, particularly in Edo State and the South-South, were immeasurable, stressing that his absence would be deeply felt by party members, political associates and admirers across the country.

“His passing represents the loss of a formidable political leader and elder whose voice, experience and dedication played an important role in the growth of democratic practice within the South-South and across Nigeria,” the statement said.