Tribute: Chief Dan Osi Orbih Was More Than A Political Son To Our Father, He Was Family – By Anenih Jr.

Says late political stalwart was a fearless fighter, bridge builder and dependable ally whose loyalty to the Anenih family endured beyond the death of Chief Tony Anenih.

The head of the Anenih family of Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State, Tony Anenih Jr., has paid a glowing and deeply emotional tribute to the late Chief Dan Osi Orbih, describing him as an extraordinary political figure whose courage, loyalty, generosity and unwavering commitment to friendship distinguished him throughout his lifetime.

In a moving tribute sent to Truth Live News International, on behalf of the Anenih family, Anenih Jr. recalled the remarkable relationship between the deceased and his father, the late Chief Tony Anenih, former National leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), former Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and one of Nigeria’s most influential political strategists.

Chief Tony Anenih, popularly known as Mr Fix It, was a central figure in the SDP political machinery that produced the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola as the party’s presidential candidate in the historic June 12, 1993, presidential election.

According to Anenih Jr., Chief Dan Orbih was among the political sons nurtured and mentored by his father, but their relationship eventually transcended politics, developing into a profound family bond sustained by mutual respect, affection and uncommon loyalty.

“Our father, the late Chief Tony Anenih, took the young Dan in as a political son. In time, it stopped being about politics. Dan became one of us,” he stated.

He explained that Orbih remained a constant presence in the Anenih household, sharing in the family’s celebrations, standing beside them during difficult moments and demonstrating exceptional loyalty even after the passing of their patriarch.

“When our father passed, Dan did not drift away. He stayed, a rock we could turn to, his doors always open,” Anenih Jr. recalled.

A Fearless Political Fighter Who Never Abandoned His Convictions

Reflecting on Orbih’s political journey, Anenih Jr. described the deceased as a courageous and principled politician who remained steadfast during some of the most turbulent periods of opposition politics in Edo State.

He noted that Orbih’s political career was characterised by resilience, uncommon bravery and an uncompromising determination to defend his political beliefs, particularly when doing so came at considerable personal and political costs.

“Dan was fearless. In the long years of opposition in Edo State, when standing up meant losing friends, sleep and sometimes freedoms, Dan stood up anyway, for his party and for the vulnerable and defenceless,” he declared.

According to him, the late political leader never surrendered to intimidation or adversity, but confronted political challenges with remarkable courage and conviction.

“He took blows, and he landed many weighty ones of his own. He remained unbowed and unbroken to the very end.”

A Bridge Builder Respected by Friends and Political Opponents

Beyond his reputation as a formidable political fighter, Anenih Jr. celebrated Orbih’s exceptional ability to maintain relationships across political divides.

He observed that although the deceased fought his political battles fiercely, he never allowed disagreements to degenerate into permanent personal hostility.

“He was a bridge builder. He fought hard and in the open, but he never burned the bridge behind him,” he said.

In one of the most touching passages of the tribute, Anenih Jr. recalled how even Orbih’s political adversaries respected his integrity and trusted his word.

“Men who stood against him at noon would call him in the evening because they knew his word was good, his fights were just, and in victory he would never humiliate a defeated opponent.”

He added that the widespread affection and respect Orbih commanded across political boundaries were evidence of his exceptional character.

“Very few men are mourned by both their allies and their rivals. Dan was.”

A Legacy of Generosity, Loyalty and Selfless Service

The Anenih family further described the late Orbih as a man whose generosity, frankness and loyalty were legendary.

According to the family, his greatness was not measured merely by political influence or public recognition, but by his willingness to support others, defend the vulnerable and remain faithful to friendships through changing circumstances.

“His selflessness, generosity, frankness and loyalty were legendary. He gave without counting, told you the truth to your face, and stood with friends in sunshine and in storm,” Anenih Jr. stated.

He remembered Orbih as a voice of reason during moments of political tension, a patient mentor to younger generations and a compassionate friend who never abandoned anyone in difficulty.

“He never forgot a name, a favour or a friend in trouble,” he added.

Anenih Family Extends Condolences to Orbih’s Wife, Children and Siblings

In his concluding remarks, Anenih Jr. extended the family’s heartfelt condolences to Orbih’s wife, Florence, his daughters, Ferdinand, his other siblings and the entire Orbih family.

He acknowledged the profound grief occasioned by the loss, stressing that the Anenih family equally mourned the passing of a man they had long regarded as one of their own.

“To Florence, his daughters, Ferdinand and his other siblings and the entire family, you have lost a husband, father and brother. We have lost a brother too.”

He assured the bereaved family that the longstanding relationship between both families would remain intact despite the painful loss.

“Our doors and hearts remain what they always were to Dan: Open.”

In an emotional farewell that captured the depth of the relationship between the two families, Anenih Jr. addressed the deceased by his affectionate titles, recalling his enduring place in the Anenih family.

“Dan of Africa, Kulukulu 1, our father’s son, go well. Great Daddy for us. Adieu, my brother.”

The tribute underscores the enduring political and personal bonds between two prominent families from Edo State, whose relationships were shaped by decades of political association, shared experiences and mutual loyalty.

For the Anenih family, the passing of Chief Dan Osi Orbih represents far more than the loss of a respected political figure. It marks the departure of a cherished brother, trusted confidant and devoted family ally whose memory, they insist, will remain permanently etched in their hearts.

The tribute was signed by Tony Anenih Jr., Head of the Anenih Family, Uromi, Edo State, on behalf of the entire family.