CHIEF (HON) MICHAEL CLEMENT KADIRI ORBIH (KSM) (1927 – 2004)
ROOTS:
Michael Clement Kadiri Orbih was born on November 2, 1927, in Ogbona, Etsako Central LGA, Edo State, to Chief Orbih Ekhamhekpe and Madam Maria Oiboh Orbih (née Imoagene). He was his mother’s first child; his father was polygamous. After her husband’s death in 1951, his mother converted to Christianity and was baptized.
EARLY EDUCATION:
Chief M.C.K. Orbih began his education in 1937 at Catholic School, Ogbona. Due to limitations of the colonial system, the school only offered classes up to Standard Three, so he continued at Catholic School, Uzairue (1941–1942), and then at Catholic School, Agenebode, where he earned his First School Leaving Certificate in 1943. Even as a child, he was known for being studious, principled, and determined.
After obtaining his certificate, he attended St. John Bosco’s Teachers’ Training College, Ubiaja, in 1946 and received his Elementary Teachers’ Certificate (Grade III) in 1948. He taught for a year before passing the Grade II teaching exam in 1951, among the last teachers to do so without returning to college.
TEACHING CAREER:
With strong dedication, he began teaching, quickly rising to become Headmaster at Catholic School, Jattu (1949), Catholic School, Ogbona (1949–1954), and Principal at Blessed Martin Secondary Modern School, Jattu (1955–1968). In 1968, he moved to St. Thomas Catholic School in Uromi, then returned as headmaster at Ansaru-Deen School, Auchi, retiring voluntarily in 1972 at the age of 45 for business.
Many notable personalities were among his students, including Prof. Philip Igbafe, Prof. (Mrs.) Sarah A. Shokpeka, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Mr. Martins Itotoi, Rev. Fr. Paschal Odemokpa, Mr. Stanley Dako, Mr. Linus Oshiokpekhai, Chief Pius Momodu, Chief Kas Enegwea, Senator Albert Legogie, and others who contributed greatly to national development.
POLITICAL CAREER:
Believing in preparation, he entered politics and, in 1957, earned a certificate in Local Government Administration from Ahmadu Bello University. Previously elected as a counselor in 1954 for the Etsako District Council, he chaired the Education Committee and served as the chair for ten years.
When Local Government Administration started in Western Nigeria, he and other educators—Mr. Sado and A.B.C. Nasamu—won seats in the 1st Etsako Local Government Council, where they became highly regarded administrators, especially by promoting the Catholic Mission.
His political influence grew as he was appointed to the Western Region Advisory Board on Education (1956–1959) and was elected to the Federal House of Representatives for Afenmai East (1959–1964). He was known for defending judicial independence and supporting the creation of the Midwest Region, even from the opposition.
In the Second Republic, he chaired the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) Etsako LGA, was Bendel North Senatorial Leader, and served as Chairman of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital under President Shehu Shagari. He remained active in politics through the Third Republic with the APP and later the PDP.
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES:
Beyond education and politics, he contributed to socio-economic development. In 1968, he founded the Defacto Bar in Auchi, discovering and supporting musician Bolivia Osigbemhe. The bar later became the Hill Top Hotel, Auchi, opened in 1972.
He was active in social and sporting clubs, founding the Auchi Club (1968), serving as President of Rotary Club International – Auchi, and promoting various sports. He also founded and supported the De Facto Football Club (1968–1972).
RELIGION:
A devout Catholic, he married Mrs. Christiana A. Orbih (née Otsemobor/Igbanoi), joined several church groups and became a 4th-degree Knight of St. Mulumba in 2003. He chaired the Avianwu Ordination Committee, regularly visited St. Benedict’s Monastery, Ewu, for prayer and meditation.
COMMUNITY SERVICE:
A respected leader in Edo North, he served as a mediator, mentor, and benefactor. As chairman of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, he ensured the establishment of Community Health Centres in Ogbona and Udo, serving as outreach for the hospital.
For these services, he received several chieftaincy titles, including EKHAEVBE of Uzairue and AGBOKHAEBO of Avianwu—honours reflecting his leadership and community contributions.
FAMILY LIFE:
He was a loving, exemplary father who valued education and strong family ties, always keeping in touch with his children and relatives. His legacy continued through the names and achievements of his children and grandchildren.
FRIENDSHIPS:
Chief M.C.K. Orbih valued relationships deeply, as exemplified in his close bonds with Chief L.K. Ogedegbe, Chief Abuda Obeakemhe, Chief Raphael Odior (Papa V.T), and Chief T.A. Osigbemhe. Together, they significantly influenced the development of Ogbona and inspired generations toward education and professional success.
FINAL ENCORE:
It was a glorious Wednesday, 15 December 2004 that signalled the home call of this noble man, honourable, a worthy knight, an amiable father, a politician par excellence, a teacher, a man of the people, and above all, a devout Catholic whose name and personality evoked respect, awe, and honour among the young and old, as well as the poor and the rich.
