By Joy Yesufu
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been thrown into mourning following the death of one of its prominent chieftains and former National Vice Chairman, South-South, Chief Daniel Osi Orbih.
Orbih, a former Chairman of the PDP in Edo State, died on Monday, August 31, 2026, at the age of 64.
Orbih was a top ally of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
His death was confirmed by his family in a statement signed by Francis Udukhomoi Orbih on behalf of the Orbih family.
The announcement was also made public by Lere Olayinka, Chief Press Secretary to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in a post on his Facebook page.
In the statement titled, “In Loving Memory,” the family described the deceased as a beloved brother, husband, father and uncle, saying his death was accepted with “profound sadness and a heavy heart” and in submission to the will of God.
The statement read in part, “With profound sadness and a heavy heart but in total submission to the will of the Almighty God, the family of Chief M.C.K. Orbih announces the passing of our beloved brother, husband, father and uncle, Chief Daniel Osi Orbih, who passed away on Monday, 31 August 2026.”
The family appealed to relatives, friends and well-wishers to remember them in their prayers as they come to terms with the 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 added.
The family said funeral arrangements would be announced later.
Orbih was a prominent figure in the PDP whose political career spanned the Edo State and national structures of the party.
He served as Chairman of the Edo State chapter of the PDP before rising to the position of National Vice Chairman, South-South, where he played a role in the affairs of the party across the region.
His political journey, however, predated the PDP. In 1999, Orbih was the Deputy Governorship candidate of the All Peoples Party (APP) in Edo State, marking an early phase of his involvement in partisan politics before his subsequent emergence as a leading figure in the PDP.
Over the years, he served on various committees at both the state and national levels of the PDP and became recognised as one of the party’s influential voices in the South-South.
His involvement in politics was complemented by a career that cut across the public and corporate sectors.
Orbih served as a Director on the Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), bringing his experience into the country’s petroleum sector.
He also served as a member of the Governing Council of the University of Port Harcourt.
His professional development included specialised training in international petroleum management and corporate leadership.
In 2006, he obtained a certification in International Petroleum Management from Eni in Rome, Italy.
The following year, he earned a certification in Corporate Leadership from Harvard Business School in Boston, Massachusetts.
These academic and professional qualifications added to his experience in public administration, corporate affairs and politics.
Early life and education.
Orbih was born on October 27, 1961, to Chief and Mrs M.C.K. Orbih of Ogbona in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State.
He began his education at the Catholic Central School, Afashio, before proceeding to Our Lady of Fatima College, Auchi. He later attended Advanced College, Igueben, where he obtained his General Certificate of Education, Advanced Level.
In 1981, he gained admission to the University of Benin, where he studied History and obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1984.
His educational background in the humanities was later complemented by professional training in petroleum management and corporate leadership.
Beyond politics and professional service, Orbih was also recognised through a number of traditional titles bestowed on him in different communities.
Among the titles attributed to him were the Kulukulu 1 of Ogoni Land, the Oduma of Uzairue, the Agbokhaivho II of Avianwu Clan, the Enakhaimhoi of Anegbete, the Esama of Uromi and the Eze Oha 1 of Mburubu.
The honours reflected the relationships and recognition he cultivated beyond his immediate political constituency.
Orbih is survived by his wife, Mrs Florence Orbih; his children, Ms Winifred Anwosiobor Orbih and Dr Mildred Omonemi Orbih; his brothers and sisters; and other members of his extended family.
His death is expected to trigger tributes from political associates, members of the PDP and other stakeholders who interacted with him during his years in public service and partisan politics.
For a politician who spent decades participating in the political development of Edo State and the South-South, his death marks the end of an era in the PDP’s regional leadership.
The family said further details on his funeral arrangements would be communicated later.
