Adekunbi Ero
As tributes continue to pour in for the late former Zonal Chairman, South-South of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dani Osi Orbih, a former governorship aspirant in Edo State and erstwhile political ally, Kenneth Imansuagbon, has described him as a “fair and just politician”, recalling how he stood his ground when in 2022, some elements in the party wanted his name dropped as a delegate to the party’s national convention though he had won the election.
In an emotive personally signed statement on Sunday, Imansuagbon also described him as a courageous, compassionate and loyal politician whose death has left a deep vacuum in Edo State’s political landscape.
Imansuagbon, now a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, said he received the news of Orbih’s passing with shock and sadness, recalling that the former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national leader was not only a consummate politician but also a man whose kindness touched many lives, especially during moments of adversity.
Recall that Orbih, a long-time ally of the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, died in a London hospital Monday August 31, 2026, according to a statement by his family. Unconfirmed sources said he died following a brief illness.
According to Imansuagbon, popularly called “rice man” because of years of consistent distribution of rice to the masses in the state, as well as internally displaced persons’ (IDP) camp and orphanages, said, “Orbih was a fair and just politician. During the 2022 national delegate contest in Esan South-East Local Government Area, in which I defeated Giwa Agbomerere, Orbih faced intense pressure that my name should be dropped because I would vote for Atiku Abubakar instead of Wike even at gun point.
“He resisted the pressure and kept my name on the list that I won the contest squarely that his conscience won’t take it if he removed my name from the delegate list.”
The renowned educationist and proprietor of highbrow Pacesetters Group of Schools, Abuja, also recalled that during the administration of former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, he and Orbih jointly led the opposition in Edo State, noting that the deceased’s residence was a rallying point for party faithful and democracy advocates.
He said, “When I had an accident, Dan was one of those who sent money to me in my hospital bed in London. Dan Orbih, late Chief Tony Anenih and Senator Clifford Ordia stood by me during that difficult period. I will never forget that gesture. Some of us can only reciprocate such kindness today through prayers and honouring his memory.
“Dan was a man of uncommon courage. At the height of the political struggle, his house became our meeting point. He never wavered in defending democracy and standing by those he believed in.”
Imansuagbon also reminisced about Orbih’s colourful personality and uncommon ability to inspire supporters during political campaigns, noting that the late PDP stalwart brought humour and entertainment into politics.
Imansuagbon noted that Orbih remained a committed party man who loved Edo people passionately and dedicated his life to the advancement of democracy.
“Under his leadership, we both toured the 192 wards campaigning. He was kind-hearted, loyal to his party and deeply committed to the people of Edo State,” he said.
“Orbih was a fair and just politician. During the 2022 national delegate contest in Esan South-East Local Government Area, in which I defeated Giwa Agbomerere, Orbih faced intense pressure that my name should be dropped because I would vote Atiku Abubakar instead of Wike even at gun point.
“He resisted the pressure and kept my name on the list that I won the contest squarely that his conscience won’t take it if he removed my name from the delegate list.”
Imansuagbon extended his heartfelt condolences to Orbih’s wife, children and the entire Orbih family, particularly Frank and Ferd Orbih, praying that God would grant them the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
“My wife and I send our heartfelt condolences to his family. May God comfort them all. We will never forget the gift of Dan Orbih to humanity and to Edo politics,” Imansuagbon concluded.
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