How Opposition Party Leaders Mourn Late Dan Orbih

Orbih, a respected PDP chieftain and former Chairman of the Governing Council of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, died on Monday, August 31, 2026, at the age of 64.

Leading the tributes, the National Vice Chairman (South-South) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Victor Giadom, described the late politician as a brother, friend and compatriot whose contributions to public service and nation-building would remain unforgettable.

Giadom said Orbih was more than a political associate, noting that their relationship was built on years of friendship, brotherhood and shared commitment to the development of Nigeria.

“Chief Orbih was not merely a political associate; he was a brother and compatriot with whom I shared a long, fond and deeply cherished history,” Giadom said, describing the deceased as a man of warmth, courage, wisdom, generosity and uncommon commitment to public service.

The APC chieftain also recalled Orbih’s role in the Rainbow Coalition, a cross-party political movement championed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, where he worked with political leaders across party lines in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Similarly, former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, described Orbih’s death as a deeply personal loss, saying he had lost a brother and friend of more than four decades.

Oshiomhole said their relationship transcended political differences, recalling years of friendship, political engagements, laughter and shared memories. He described Orbih as a principled politician who remained committed to his faith, community and the advancement of his people.

According to him, Orbih contributed immensely to the development of Afenmai land through his political engagements, business investments and extensive personal relationships, while remaining willing to build bridges across political divides for the collective good.

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, also expressed condolences to the Orbih family, describing the late politician as a bridge-builder, voice of reason and astute political leader whose death was a significant loss to Edo State.

Okpebholo particularly praised Orbih’s contributions as Chairman of the Governing Council of Ambrose Alli University, saying he demonstrated unwavering commitment to advancing the institution’s developmental agenda and strengthening the relationship between the state government and the university.

The management of Ambrose Alli University also mourned its former Pro-Chancellor and Governing Council Chairman, describing his death as a painful loss to the university community. The institution said Orbih brought courage, wisdom and experience to the leadership of the council and was passionate about restoring the university’s dignity and academic excellence.

Across the political divide, the outpouring of tributes reflected Orbih’s reputation as a politician who maintained friendships beyond party affiliations and used his influence to promote peace, unity and development.

Giadom said Orbih’s death was a major loss to the Etsako Nation, Edo State and Nigeria, noting that his legacy of courage, character, service and bridge-building would continue to inspire generations.

He prayed for the repose of Orbih’s soul and for God to grant his wife, children, family members, political associates and friends the strength to bear what he described as an irreparable loss.