The remains of Chief Dan Orbih, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and ex-chairman of the Governing Council of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, arrived at Benin Airport on Friday as political leaders across party lines paid tribute to the late politician.
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, accompanied by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Umar Ikhilor, received the remains at about 9.55 a.m. before leading family members, friends, political associates and government officials to Orbih’s residence in Benin for the lying-in-state ceremony.
Speaking at the ceremony, Okpebholo described Orbih’s death as a great loss, saying the deceased was more than a political associate to him.
“He was a brother,” the governor said, praying to God to grant the bereaved family the strength to bear the loss.
The officiating priest, Rev. Fr Palmer Ikponmwosa, described Orbih as a colossus of Edo politics, a master tactician, leader and kingmaker.
A PDP chieftain, Mr Pascal Ugbome, said the deceased had demonstrated how opposition politics could be conducted constructively, describing his approach as meaningful and productive.
Ugbome said Orbih was courageous enough to challenge even his closest friends when they occupied positions of authority and abused or misused the opportunities entrusted to them.
He noted that the late politician was committed to speaking out against wrongdoing, irrespective of the individuals involved.
An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, described Orbih as a generous and compassionate man who had helped many people during his lifetime.
“I can only imagine how all those who benefited from his kindness must be feeling following his demise,” he said.
Other political leaders at the ceremony also remembered Orbih as a man who spoke truth to power whenever the opportunity arose.
Dignitaries who attended the reception of the remains at the airport included Edo State Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa; Edo APC Chairman Jarrett Tenebe; ex-senator representing Edo South Senatorial District, Matthew Urhoghide; ex-member of the House of Representatives, Samson Osaigie; and Edo APC Deputy Chairman Sylvester Aigboboh, among others.
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