Political gladiators across party lines, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike; Edo State governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo; and former governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, have paid their last respects to the late former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairman in Edo State, Chief Dan Orbih.
The dignitaries gathered in Ogbonna community, Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State, for the burial of the prominent politician, who died in a London hospital on August 30 at the age of 64.
Orbih was buried in a private ceremony attended by members of his family and selected friends.
Speaking at the event, Wike dismissed suggestions of a rift between him and Governor Okpebholo, insisting that both men maintained a cordial relationship.
“Please, there is no problem between the Edo Governor and I. We are very close. We work together and we will continue to work together,” he said.
The former Rivers State governor explained that his clarification was intended to correct what he described as a wrong impression created by comments he made during a night of tribute organised in honour of the deceased.
In his tribute, Governor Okpebholo described Orbih as a man of conviction and compassion who believed that humanity, friendship and mutual respect should transcend political differences.
According to him, Orbih distinguished himself through his ability to build bridges, extend goodwill and sustain meaningful relationships across political divides.
The Archbishop of Auchi Diocese, Bishop Amos Dunia, who delivered the homily, urged the congregation to remain steadfast in their Christian faith and live according to the dictates of God.
He said the deceased had completed his earthly journey, urging the people to amend their ways and remain spiritually prepared for the end of their lives.
In an emotional tribute, Orbih’s wife, Florence, said, “Sleep well. Go well. Till we meet at Jesus’s feet.”
The deceased’s younger brother, Francis Orbih, also described him as a bridge-builder who maintained cordial relationships with people across different backgrounds.
Other dignitaries at the burial included Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, who was represented by Festus Okunbo; former Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Silas Agara; former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Frank Okiye; and the incumbent Speaker, Yekini Idiaye.
Also present were the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa; Senator Magnus Abe; members of the Edo State House of Assembly; and members of the PDP National Working Committee, led by its chairman, Abraham Mohammed.
State working committee members and chieftains of both the APC and PDP in Edo State were also in attendance.