Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Friday received the remains of Chief Dan Orbih, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Chairman of the Governing Council of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, at Benin Airport. Okpebholo described the late politician as a brother and a significant loss to Edo State as family members, political associates and government officials gathered to pay their last respects ahead of the lying-in-state ceremony at his residence in Benin.
Key Highlights
- Governor Monday Okpebholo received Dan Orbih’s remains at Benin Airport on Friday.
- The governor described the late PDP chieftain as a brother and prayed for strength for his family.
- Clergy and political leaders paid tribute to Orbih’s influence on Edo politics.
- PDP chieftain Pascal Ugbome praised Orbih for his courage and approach to opposition politics.
- APC chieftain Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu remembered Orbih as a generous and compassionate man.
- Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa and other political leaders attended the reception at the airport.
Okpebholo Leads Dignitaries to Dan Orbih’s Lying-in-State
Okpebholo, accompanied by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Umar Ikhilor, received Orbih’s remains at about 9:55 a.m. on Friday.
The governor subsequently led family members, friends, political associates and government officials from the airport to his residence in Benin, where the lying-in-state ceremony was held.
Speaking at the residence, Okpebholo described Orbih’s death as a painful loss, emphasising the personal relationship they shared beyond politics.
“He was a brother,” the governor said.
“At times like this, when the loss is difficult to bear, we can only turn to God for comfort and strength. I pray that God will give us all the courage and fortitude to bear this great loss.
“I also pray that God will protect the family, strengthen them during this difficult period and provide them with the grace to carry on,” he added.
Clergy Describes Orbih as a Colossus of Edo Politics
In his tribute, the officiating priest, Rev. Fr. Palmer Ikponmwosa, described Orbih as a colossus of Edo politics, a master tactician, leader and kingmaker.
Other political leaders at the residence also remembered the late politician as someone who was willing to speak truth to power, including when doing so involved challenging people close to him.
Their tributes highlighted Orbih’s political influence and his reputation among associates across party lines.
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PDP Chieftain Praises Orbih’s Opposition Politics
A PDP chieftain, Mr Pascal Ugbome, said Orbih demonstrated how opposition politics could be practised in a meaningful and productive manner.
According to Ugbome, Orbih was courageous enough to challenge even his closest friends when they occupied positions of authority and allegedly abused or misused the opportunities entrusted to them.
Ugbome’s tribute focused on Orbih’s willingness to hold people in power accountable, regardless of their personal relationships or political connections.
Ize-Iyamu Remembers Orbih’s Generosity
Also paying tribute, an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, described Orbih as a generous and compassionate individual who helped many people.
“I can only imagine how all those who benefited from his kindness must be feeling following his demise,” Ize-Iyamu said.
His remarks reflected the tributes from political associates who remembered Orbih not only for his role in Edo politics but also for his personal relationships and acts of kindness.
Dignitaries Attend Reception at Benin Airport
Several political leaders and government officials attended the reception of Orbih’s remains at Benin Airport.
Those present included Edo State Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, Edo APC Chairman Jarrett Tenebe and former Senator representing Edo South Senatorial District, Matthew Urhoghide.
Others were former House of Representatives member Samson Osaigie and Edo APC Deputy Chairman Sylvester Aigboboh, alongside other dignitaries.
The gathering brought together political figures from different backgrounds to honour Orbih’s memory and offer condolences to his family.
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