By Ozioruva Aliu
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; and Senator Adams Oshiomhole were among prominent political figures who gathered in Ogbona, Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State, on Saturday to bid farewell to the late former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) South-South Vice Chairman, Chief Dan Orbih.
Orbih, a prominent political figure in Edo State, was laid to rest in his hometown following a funeral service at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Ogbona, attended by political associates, family members and other mourners.
At the service, Okpebholo urged Nigerians, particularly those in positions of authority, to embrace selflessness and sacrifice, warning that public office and personal achievements were meaningless without positive contributions to society.
Speaking in an emotional voice, the governor said Orbih’s death had brought home the fleeting nature of life and the need for people to make a difference while they still had the opportunity.
“This is my second time coming to this church. The first time I came here was to celebrate with Chief Dan Osi Orbih. I said to him, we will be coming here like this in the next eight years to celebrate your birthday, but today we are here for a different purpose,” he said.
The governor added: “Today, it has dawned on me that there is nothing in life. Here lies in the casket the remains of Chief Dan Osi Orbih, and he can’t stand up or walk anymore.”
Okpebholo’s remarks underscored the grief surrounding the death of the political chieftain, whose funeral brought together figures from different political circles.
My friend and brother is gone -Wike
Wike, who also paid tribute to the deceased, said the sight of Orbih’s coffin had made the reality of his death painfully clear.
“When I saw the casket, it dawned on me that truly my friend and brother is gone. There is nothing we can do but to pray to God to give the family the fortitude to bear this great loss,” the minister said.
He called for prayers and support for the bereaved family as mourners reflected on Orbih’s life and legacy.
Titles cannot stop death – Bishop
In his homily, the Catholic Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Dunia, urged Nigerians to reflect on the brevity of life and prepare for the inevitability of death.
Dunia said political influence, academic qualifications, social standing, titles and personal accomplishments could not shield anyone from death when their time came.
He challenged the congregation to live meaningful lives, uphold the truth and remain conscious of their responsibilities to God and humanity.
“Death is what all must pay, and one can tell God to hold on because we are busy at the moment, but be prepared to answer the call at any time,” the bishop said.
He urged the faithful to follow the path of truth and light, stressing that what ultimately mattered was not the positions people occupied or the wealth they accumulated, but how they lived and contributed to the well-being of others.
The funeral brought an emotional close to the life of Orbih, whose political associates and family members gathered in Ogbona to honour his memory and pay their final respects.
