133
y Lizzy Chirkpi
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has mourned the passing of a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Daniel Osi Orbih, describing him as a true friend, committed political ally and a man of faith.
Orbih died on Monday, August 31, 2026.
Reacting to the death in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike described Orbih’s death as painful, saying he had lost a friend and a political associate who played a significant role in his life.
Wike described Orbih as “a friend indeed” and the death as the “fall of one of the biggest trees in the political forest of Edo State.”
“I have lost a friend and a committed political ally. Dan Osi Orbih was everything anyone could desire in friendship and political associate. But we can’t question God. He gives and He takes,” the statement read in part
The FCT Minister commiserated with the Orbih family, describing the deceased as “a good friend, a great politician, and a man of faith in the Almighty God.
“On behalf of myself, my family and political associates, I commiserate with the family of Chief M.C.K. Orbih, on the demise of Chief Dan Orbih, a good friend, a great politician, and a man of faith in the Almighty God. May his soul rest in peace,” he said
Orbih’s death was earlier confirmed by his family in a statement signed by Francis Udukhomoi Orbih, on behalf of the Orbih family.
The family said it received the news of his death with “profound sadness and a heavy heart,” while submitting to the will of God.
Orbih is survived by his wife, Mrs Florence Orbih; his children, Miss Winifred Anwosiobor Orbih and Dr Mildred Omonemi Orbih; his brothers and sisters; as well as other members of his extended family.
Meanwhile, the family appealed to relatives, friends and well wishers to remember them in their prayers at the difficult time, adding that details of the funeral arrangements would be announced later.
Orbih was a major political figure in Edo State and the South-South region. He served for several years as Chairman of the Edo State chapter of the PDP before becoming the party’s National Vice Chairman (South South).
He was also a prominent political associate of Wike and a key figure within the political network around the FCT Minister.