Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has urged Nigerians, particularly public office holders, to lead selfless lives and use their positions to improve the lives of others, stressing that wealth, power and achievements cannot prevent death.
The governor made the call during the funeral Mass for the late Chief Daniel Osikheme Orbih, Chairman of the Governing Council of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Ogbona, Edo State.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, Okpebholo said Orbih’s death had reinforced the need for people to make meaningful contributions to society while they were alive.
Speaking emotionally, the governor recalled that his first visit to the church was to celebrate Orbih’s birthday, expressing sadness that he had returned to the same venue to attend the deceased’s funeral.
“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.
Okpebholo lamented the reality of death, noting that the remains of the late Orbih could no longer move or respond to those around him.
He urged Nigerians to make their lives meaningful by contributing positively to the well-being of others, regardless of their social standing or achievements.
The governor also prayed for God’s strength and comfort for the bereaved family, asking that they be given the fortitude to bear the loss.
He expressed appreciation to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for standing by Orbih’s family throughout the difficult period.
In his remarks, Wike said the funeral had brought home the painful reality of losing a close friend and brother.
“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.
Wike thanked Okpebholo for his support for the family and for paying his last respects to the deceased at his residence in Benin City.
He also dismissed speculation about a possible disagreement between him and the Edo governor, insisting that their relationship remained cordial.
“There is no problem between me and the governor. We are very close, we work together and we would continue to work together,” Wike said.
The minister further expressed gratitude to Okpebholo for receiving Orbih’s remains and honouring the deceased at his Benin City residence.
Delivering the homily, the Catholic Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Dunia, urged the congregation and Nigerians to reflect on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death.
Dunia said titles, academic qualifications, political positions, social status and personal achievements could not prevent death when one’s time came.
He encouraged the faithful to embrace truth, walk in the light and live responsibly, remaining conscious of their duties to God and humanity.
The bishop also recalled Orbih’s roots in the Catholic faith, noting that his parents introduced him to the church and that he was born, baptised and dedicated in the faith.
“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,” he said.
Dignitaries who attended the funeral included the Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarrett Tenebe; his deputy, Sylvester Aigboboh; Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole; Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Yekini Idiaye; members of the state legislature; members of the Peoples Democratic Party’s National Working Committee; and members of the APC State Working Committee, among others.
The statement was signed by Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, and dated Saturday, October 10, 2026.
