The ​‌⁠​‍‍⁠⁠‍​‌‍​‌‍‌⁠‌​remains of late Chief Dan Orbih being received at the Benin Airport on Friday by Gov. Monday Okpebholo.

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Friday, received the remains of a late chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Dan Orbih, at the Benin Airport.

Mr Orbih’s body was flown into the state aboard an aircraft with registration number 5N-SYQ.

The governor, who was joined by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhilor, received the body at about 9:55 a.m.

From the airport, he led family members, friends, political associates and state functionaries to the lying-in-state ceremony at the deceased residence in Benin City.

Mr Orbih was a former Chairman of the Governing Council of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.

Speaking at the residence, Mr Okpebholo described Mr Orbih’s demise as a great loss to the entire people of Edo State. 

According to him, Mr Orbih was more than a politician to him; he was a brother.

“At times like this, when the loss is difficult to bear, we can only turn to God for comfort and strength. I pray that God will give us all the courage and fortitude to bear this great loss.

“I also pray that God will protect his family members, strengthen them during this difficult period and provide them with the grace to carry on,” he said.

In his sermon, the officiating priests, Fr. Palmer Ikpowanosa, described Mr Orbih as a colossus of Edo State politics, master tactician, leader and kingmaker.

Political bigwigs, who also spoke at the brief ceremony, further described Mr Orbih as a man who spoke truth to power at every given opportunity.

A PDP stalwart, Pascal Ugbome, described Mr Orbih as a man who showed Nigerians how to play opposition politics and made politics beautiful, meaningful and productive.

Mr Ugbome explained that Mr 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.

Also speaking, an APC chieftain, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, said Mr Orbih was a very generous and compassionate man who helped countless people.

“I can only imagine how all those who benefitted from his kindness are feeling, following his demise,” he said.

Dignitaries present at the airport included Edo Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa; Edo APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe; and Senator Matthew Urhoghide.

Others were a former member of the House of Representatives, Samson Osaigie, and Edo APC Deputy Chairman, Sylvester Aigboboh, among others. 

(NAN)