The death of Chief Dan Osi Orbih, a prominent Edo politician and former National Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), South-South, has elicited tributes from Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, and prominent political figures, including former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki and Senator Adams Oshiomhole.
Orbih, who died at the age of 64, was the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Ambrose Alli University until his death.
The university, in a statement signed by its Principal Assistant Registrar and Head of Information, Protocol and Public Relations, Otunba Mike Aladenika, said the institution received the news of Orbih’s death with “deep shock and a heavy heart.”
According to the statement, Orbih’s death had created “a painful void” not only in the university but also in Edo State and Nigeria.
The institution described its late Pro-Chancellor as a distinguished statesman, political leader and administrator who brought considerable experience, courage and wisdom to the leadership of its Governing Council.
It said Orbih was deeply committed to repositioning the university, restoring its lost glory and strengthening its capacity to provide quality education and contribute meaningfully to national development.
“As Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Chief Orbih demonstrated a deep commitment to the welfare of the University and its community,” the statement said.
It added that the deceased consistently advocated initiatives aimed at promoting academic excellence, good governance, institutional stability and sustainable development.
The university said his contributions to its growth and transformation would remain indelible in its history, describing his legacy as one that would continue to inspire generations.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mrs. Eunice Omonzejie, on behalf of the Governing Council, management, staff and students, expressed condolences to Orbih’s wife, Florence, his children, siblings and the entire Orbih family.
“Chief Dan Osi Orbih will be deeply missed. His legacy of service, courage and commitment to the advancement of Ambrose Alli University will continue to inspire generations,” Aladenika said.
Also mourning the former PDP leader, Obaseki described Orbih as a prominent Edo son and renowned politician whose death represented a significant loss to the state and the country.
In a condolence message, the former governor said he received the news of Orbih’s passing with “profound sadness,” noting that the deceased had played significant roles in the political development of Edo State and Nigeria.
Obaseki recalled that Orbih provided leadership to the PDP in Edo State as state chairman before subsequently serving as the party’s National Vice Chairman, South-South.
He said Orbih’s decades of engagement in public affairs had earned him a place in the political history of Edo State.
“Chief Orbih was a prominent figure in Nigerian politics and an influential voice in Edo State,” Obaseki said, adding that his death had left a significant void in the political landscape.
He prayed God to grant the deceased’s family the strength and fortitude to bear the loss and grant Orbih eternal rest.
In a separate tribute, Senator Adams Oshiomhole described Orbih as a distinguished son of the MCK Orbih family of Ogbona Community in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State.
Oshiomhole, who said he received the news with profound sadness and a deep sense of personal loss, described Orbih as a respectable politician, accomplished businessman and devout Catholic Christian.
According to him, Orbih demonstrated throughout his life a commitment to his faith, community and the advancement of his people.
He said Orbih contributed significantly to the development of Afenmailand through his political engagements, business investments and extensive relationships.
“He was a man who believed in the potential of his people and consistently deployed his resources, influence and goodwill in ways that promoted progress and strengthened the bonds within our communities,” Oshiomhole said.
The senator, who represents Edo North Senatorial District, extended condolences to Orbih’s wife, children, the MCK Orbih family of Ogbona, friends, associates and political colleagues, as well as the people of Edo State.
Oshiomhole, however, described the loss as particularly personal, saying he had lost a brother and friend of more than four decades.
“For me, however, this loss is deeply personal. I have lost a brother and friend of more than four decades,” he said.
He recalled their long-standing relationship, including their political engagements, friendship and shared memories, saying their most recent meeting had assumed a special significance following Orbih’s death.
“Dan came, he saw, he gave his best and he departed,” Oshiomhole said, stressing that the deceased left behind a legacy that transcended material possessions.
According to him, Orbih’s enduring legacy comprised a good name, cherished relationships and contributions to the lives of people and communities.
Orbih’s death has therefore triggered mourning across political and institutional circles in Edo State, with tributes focusing on his decades of political engagement, community service and contributions to the development of Ambrose Alli University.
The university said it prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of its late Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council and for divine comfort for his family.
