Wike Denies Rift With Edo Governor Okpebholo at Orbih’s Funeral
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed reports of a disagreement between him and Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, insisting that their relationship remains cordial.
Wike spoke on Saturday, October 10, 2026, during the funeral Mass of the late Dan Osi Orbih in Ogbona, Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State.
“There is no problem between me and the governor; we are very close; we work together and we will continue to work together,” Wike said.
The minister dismissed suggestions of a fallout with Okpebholo, saying those spreading such claims were mistaken about their relationship.
The funeral brought together political associates, government officials, family members and other dignitaries who gathered to pay their last respects to Orbih, a prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) figure who served as the party’s National Vice-Chairman for the South-South zone.
Wike speaks on relationship with Okpebholo
Addressing mourners at the funeral, Wike said his relationship with the Edo governor remained strong and that both men would continue to work together.
His comments came amid speculation about possible political disagreements between prominent figures across party lines.
Wike, a PDP politician serving in President Bola Tinubu’s administration, has maintained working relationships with members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including Okpebholo.
However, the minister did not provide details of the reports suggesting a rift or identify the specific issues behind the speculation.
He also thanked Okpebholo for receiving Orbih’s remains and paying his last respects at the deceased’s residence in Benin City.
Wike described Orbih as a close friend and brother, saying the sight of the casket made the reality of his death more painful.
He called for prayers for the bereaved family, asking God to give them the strength to cope with their loss.
Okpebholo urges Nigerians to live selflessly
Speaking at the funeral, Governor Okpebholo urged Nigerians, particularly public office holders, to live selfless lives and use their positions to improve society.
The governor said Orbih’s death had reminded him of the uncertainty of life and the importance of making meaningful contributions while alive.
He noted that wealth, political power, titles and personal achievements could not prevent death.
Okpebholo also thanked Wike for standing by Orbih’s family during the difficult period.
The governor’s remarks focused on the need for leaders to make positive contributions to their communities rather than concentrate solely on personal achievements.
Bishop calls for reflection on life and death
In his homily, the Catholic Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Most Rev. Gabriel Dunia, urged mourners and Nigerians to reflect on the inevitability of death.
The bishop said academic qualifications, social status, political positions and other achievements could not exempt anyone from death.
He encouraged people to live meaningful lives and remain conscious of their responsibilities to God and humanity.
The funeral Mass at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Ogbona attracted political associates and other dignitaries who gathered to honour Orbih’s memory.
Orbih was a prominent figure in Edo State politics and served as the PDP’s National Vice-Chairman for the South-South region.
Wike’s remarks at the gathering directly addressed speculation about his relationship with Okpebholo, while both men also used the occasion to pay tribute to their late associate.
For now, Wike has publicly maintained that there is no rift between them and that their working relationship will continue.
Source: Arise News
