By Tony Anenih

Chief Dan Osi Orbih was not just a good man, he was a great man. Some men hold office. Only a few are able to hold people together. Dan Orbih was one of the very few.

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 was with us in our celebrations and he stood by us in our losses. When our father passed, Dan did not drift away. He stayed, a rock we could turn to, his doors always open.

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

He was a bridge- builder. He fought hard and in the open, but he never burned the bridge behind him. 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. Very few men are mourned by both their allies and their rivals. Dan was.

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. He was a voice of reason when tempers ran high, patient with the young, and he never forgot a name, a favour or a friend in trouble.

To Florence, his daughters, Ferdinard and his other siblings and the entire family you have lost a husband, father and brother. We have lost a brother too. Our doors and hearts remain what they always were to Dan: Open.

Dan of Africa, Kulukulu 1, our father’s son, go well. Great Daddy for us.

Adieu, my brother.

Tony Anenih
On behalf of the Anenih family