By Otunba Mike Ade Aladenika
It was a gathering of political heavyweights, captains of industry, professionals and other prominent Nigerians in Ogbona, Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State, as the remains of the late Chief Dan Osi Orbih, former National Vice-Chairman (South-South) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and immediate past Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, were laid to rest amidst glowing tributes to his life of service and exemplary leadership.
The funeral attracted an impressive array of dignitaries, including Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo; former Governor of Edo State and Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Senator Adams Oshiomhole; former Governor of Rivers State and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike; Minister Abubakar Momoh; Senator Matthew Urhoghide; and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.
Others included former Speakers of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku and Rt. Hon. Frank Okiye, as well as the Acting Pro-Chancellor of Ambrose Alli University and Edo State Commissioner for Education, Barr. Washington Osifo, who led members of the University's Governing Council to honour their departed former chairman.
In his homily, the Catholic Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Dunia, described the late Chief Orbih as a devout Christian whose exemplary life of faith and service dated back to his childhood and remained evident until his final days.
According to the Bishop, the deceased lived a life devoted to serving humanity and left behind a legacy worthy of emulation.
“Our dear brother, Dan, lived a life of service to humanity, worthy of emulation. He will be greatly missed by his family, the Church, his Ogbona community, Edo State and Nigeria,” the Bishop said.
At Ambrose Alli University, where the late Orbih served as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, his contributions to institutional leadership and governance featured prominently in the tributes paid to him.
The Acting Pro-Chancellor, Barr. Washington Osifo, and other members of the Governing Council described the late university administrator as a consummate politician, astute strategist and prudent technocrat whose leadership left an enduring impression on the University's administration.
They extolled his leadership qualities, political sagacity and commitment to effective governance, noting that his experience and strategic approach to decision-making distinguished his tenure as chairman of the University's Governing Council.
The tributes at the funeral reflected the breadth of the late Chief Orbih's influence across political, religious, academic and community circles, with mourners united in acknowledging his contributions to public service and the development of his community.
Following the church service, the remains of the late elder statesman were committed to mother earth in his hometown of Ogbona, bringing the funeral rites to a solemn conclusion. Guests were subsequently hosted at a reception in honour of the departed statesman.
Chief Dan Osi Orbih's burial brought together people from different walks of life to celebrate a man whose public engagements spanned partisan politics, university governance and community life, even as family members, associates and admirers bade him a final farewell.
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