Chief Daniel Osi Orbih, a prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), former Edo State PDP chairman, and close political ally of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, has d!ed at the age of 64.
Orbih passed away on Monday, August 31, 2026. His family announced the d3ath in a statement signed by Francis Udukhomoi Orbih on behalf of the Orbih family.
“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 announce the passing of our beloved brother, husband, father and uncle, Chief Daniel Osi Orbih, who passed away on Monday, 31 August 2026,” the statement read.
He 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 the extended family. The family appealed for prayers and said further details, including funeral arrangements, would be announced in due course. “May his soul rest in perfect peace,” the statement concluded.
Born on October 27, 1961, in Ogbona, Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State, Orbih was a long-standing figure in Edo and South-South politics. He served as Chairman of the Edo State chapter of the PDP from 2008 to 2019, one of the longest tenures by a state party chairman in Nigeria. He later held the position of PDP National Vice Chairman (South-South).
At the time of his death, Orbih was Chairman of the Governing Council of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, an appointment made by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo. He was widely regarded as a key strategist and mobiliser within the PDP in Edo State and the broader South-South region, and maintained a close political association with Wike.
Wike mourned Orbih’s death, describing him as “a true friend and committed political ally.” In a statement issued through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the FCT Minister called Orbih’s passing the “fall of one of the biggest trees in the political forest of Edo State.”
“I have lost a friend and a committed political ally. Dan Osi Orbih was everything anyone could desire in friendship and political associate. But we can’t question God, He gives and He takes,” Wike said. He described the late politician as “a good friend, a great politician, and a man of faith in the Almighty God” and extended condolences to the family.
Orbih’s death has drawn reactions across the political spectrum in Edo State and beyond, marking a significant loss for the PDP and the state’s political landscape. No cause of death has been publicly disclosed. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in due course.
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