Chief Dan Osi Orbih
From our Bureau Chief, Benin
Chief Dan Osi Orbih of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has been announced to have transited to the great beyond.
Orbih was said to have transited on Monday, August 31, 2026.
According to reports, the family, in a statement signed by Francis Udukhomoi Orbih Esq., made the announcement on Tuesday, 1 September, 2026.
Saying; it was with a “profound sadness and a heavy heart,” but a total submission to the will of the Almighty God.
Orbih, who was a juggernaut in the political space of Nigeria, particularly in the PDP, Edo State down the South South region, was said to had been born on October 27, 1961 and passed on barely two months to his 65th birthday.
The family was quoted to have appealed to relatives, friends and well-wishers to remember them in prayers as they mourn what it termed: “a painful loss.
“At this difficult time, we ask family members, friends and well-wishers to remember the entire family in their prayers as we mourn this painful loss,” the statement was quoted to have said.
While the details of the funeral arrangements and other information concerning his burial would be released in due course, it added.
The veteran politician is survived by his wife, Mrs. Florence Orbih; his two children, Ms. Winifred Anwosiobor Orbih and Dr. Mildred Omonemi Orbih; his brothers and sisters, as well as other members of his extended family, it was reported.
For his political weight and sagacity, Orbih had the sobriquet; the ‘kulu kulu 1’ of Africa.
Hence barely few months to the general elections in January, 2027, the opposition particularly the Legacy Group of the PDP, has been hit with a thunderbolt by the loss of one its influential voices and notable forces.
Undoubtedly, he will be sorely missed not by his biological family alone but also his political family, and close associates like the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja; Nyesome Wike; who was a trusted ally.
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Particularly at this critical period when the opposition parties are grappling with internal realignments and intense political calculations ahead of 2027.
Orbih was National Vice Chairman of the PDP, South South region and until his death, was the Chairman of the Governing Board of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.
Condolences
Meanwhile, it has been outpouring of condolences since the news break of his passing.
FCT Minister, Nyesome Wike
Notably, his trusted political brother and ally, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has expressed grief over the death of Kulu kulu 1, describing him as a true friend and committed political associate.
For Wike, the transition of Orbih is the fall of one of the biggest trees in the political forest of Edo State, lamenting he had lost a close friend and dependable political ally.
The FCT Minister extends his condolences to the Orbih family and associates, pointing out that he was a great politician and man of faith.
Also mourning Orbih, the Edo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) described his death as a major loss to the State’s political and public life.
In a condolence statement signed by the State Publicity Secretary of the Party, Prince Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, the APC described Orbih as a distinguished elder statesman, respected political leader and committed member of the PDP whose contributions transcended partisan boundaries.
As a prominent PDP chieftain and Chairman of the Governing Council of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Orbih distinguished himself through service, leadership and commitment to the development of institutions and society, APC stated.
Further, it said Orbih’s death was not only a loss to his immediate family and the PDP, but also to Edo State and the wider political community.
His death served as a reminder of the importance of recognising individuals who dedicated themselves to public service and the development of the State, irrespective of political differences.
The APC acknowledged Orbih’s years of service and leadership as well as the relationships he built across political and social divides, noting that his experience, wisdom and contributions to political discourse and public administration would be remembered.
The Party condoles with the Orbih’s family, friends, associates, political allies and colleagues, as well as the leadership and entire membership of the PDP in Edo State.
It also commiserated with the Ambrose Alli University community and those who worked with the deceased in his capacity as Chairman of the institution’s Governing Council.
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“His passing will undoubtedly be deeply felt by the institution and by the many lives his leadership touched.”
Continuing, the APC urged the bereaved family to take solace in the legacy he left behind and in the memories of a life devoted to leadership, service and the advancement of his community.
As it assured of standing in solidarity with the family and the PDP at the moment of grief, even though political parties might differ in ideology and approach, moments of bereavement called for humanity, compassion and recognition of a shared commitment to the peace and progress of Edo State.
The Party prayed God to grant Orbih’s family the strength to bear the loss and grant the deceased eternal rest.
As the ‘curtain falls’ for the Kulu kulu I of Africa, commentators say it brings to an end a political career spanning several decades during which he played major roles in Edo State politics and the PDP at state, zonal and national levels.
Known for his grassroots political network, organisational ability and strong positions on internal party affairs, Orbih remained an influential figure in Edo politics until his death.
His passing is expected to leave a significant vacuum within his political network in Edo State, particularly among his associates in the PDP Legacy Group and the wider South-South political bloc, even across Nigeria.
