The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared three days of mourning for its National Vice Chairman, South-South, Dan Osi Orbih, as prominent political leaders and institutions across Edo State and beyond mourn the death of the veteran politician.

Orbih, 64, died in London on Monday, triggering an outpouring of tributes from political allies, opponents and institutions with which he was associated during his decades in public and political life.

As a mark of respect, the PDP National Working Committee directed all party offices nationwide to fly the party flag at half-mast for three days in honour of the late national vice chairman.

The party described Orbih as a loyal, committed and dependable leader whose contribution to the growth of the PDP and Nigeria’s democratic development would remain indelible.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, the PDP said Orbih devoted himself to the ideals of democracy, party unity and political development.

“His dedication, wisdom and contributions to the growth and stability of the PDP will remain deeply appreciated and fondly remembered by the party and its members,” the party said.

The PDP also expressed condolences to the family of Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, describing Orbih as Wike’s close confidant, trusted associate and friend.

WIKE: ‘I HAVE LOST A FRIEND AND POLITICAL ALLY’

Wike described Orbih’s death as a devastating personal loss, likening him to “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.

The FCT Minister said Orbih’s death would be deeply felt by his family, friends and political associates.

He expressed condolences to the Orbih family, describing the deceased as “a good friend, a great politician and a man of faith in the Almighty God.”

EDO PDP MOURNS ‘POLITICAL COLOSSUS’

The Edo State chapter of the PDP described Orbih’s death as the loss of a “political colossus” whose influence extended beyond party politics.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Nosa Ogieva-Okunbor, and Secretary, Hillary Otsu, the party described the death as a monumental loss to the PDP, Edo State, the South-South and Nigeria.

It said Orbih’s decades of political and public service, commitment to democratic governance and efforts to strengthen party unity had left an enduring legacy.

“His passing represents the loss of a formidable political leader and elder whose voice, experience and dedication played an important role in the growth of democratic practice within the South-South and across Nigeria,” the party said.

The Edo PDP said Orbih’s influence extended into communities and institutions and commiserated with his family, associates and party members.

OKPEBHOLO: ‘HE WAS A BRIDGE-BUILDER’

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo described Orbih as a bridge-builder and voice of reason whose death represented a major loss to the state and Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma.

Okpebholo acknowledged Orbih’s contribution to institutional leadership as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of AAU’s Governing Council, saying he played an important role in strengthening the relationship between the university and the state government.

The governor prayed that Orbih’s legacy of service would continue to inspire future generations.

OBASEKI RECALLS ORBIH’S POLITICAL LEGACY

Former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki described Orbih as a prominent Edo son and influential politician whose decades of involvement in public affairs earned him a place in the political history of the state.

Obaseki recalled Orbih’s years as Edo PDP Chairman and later as National Vice Chairman, South-South, saying he made significant contributions to the party at both state and national levels.

EDO APC JOINS TRIBUTES

The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) also mourned Orbih, describing him as a respected political leader whose contributions transcended party lines.

In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, the APC said Orbih’s years of political leadership, experience and relationships across political divides would be remembered.

The party commiserated with the Orbih family, PDP and AAU, stressing that political differences should give way to humanity and compassion in times of bereavement.

AAU: ‘HIS CONTRIBUTIONS WILL REMAIN INDELIBLE’

Ambrose Alli University also mourned Orbih, saying his contributions to the institution would remain permanently etched in its history.

In a statement issued on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Eunice Omonzejie, the university said its Governing Council, Senate, management, staff and students received news of his death with shock and sadness.

The statement, signed by the Head of Information, Protocol and Public Relations, Mike Aladenika, said Orbih brought experience, courage, wisdom and a strong sense of responsibility to his role as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council.

According to the university, his tenure was marked by efforts to reposition the institution, restore its reputation and strengthen its capacity to provide quality education.

AAU said Orbih was particularly committed to good governance, academic excellence, institutional stability and sustainable development.

“His contributions to the growth and transformation of Ambrose Alli University will remain indelible in the history of the institution,” it said.

The university added that Orbih championed initiatives aimed at improving staff and student welfare and restoring the dignity of the institution.

ORBIH’S POLITICAL JOURNEY

Born on October 27, 1961, in Ogbona, Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State, Orbih rose through the ranks to become one of the most influential figures in the PDP in Edo and the South-South.

He served for several years as Chairman of the Edo State PDP before becoming the party’s National Vice Chairman, South-South.

He was also politically associated with the late PDP power broker, Tony Anenih.

Orbih later emerged as leader of the PDP Legacy Group in Edo and became a close political ally of Wike during the prolonged internal crisis within the party’s state chapter.

Although he remained a member of the PDP, Orbih and his political allies backed Okpebholo in the 2024 Edo governorship election.

Following Okpebholo’s emergence as governor, Orbih was appointed Chairman of the Governing Council of Ambrose Alli University.

His family announced his death “with profound sadness and a heavy heart but in total submission to the will of the Almighty God.”

Orbih is survived by his wife, Florence; daughters, Winifred Anwosiobor and Mildred Omonemi; siblings and other members of his extended family.

The family said burial arrangements would be announced later.