The seeds of greatness: A journey beyond beginnings
Not many people knew his full names, especially the acronym, M.C.K. I had been one of them until only recently. Since my primary school days in the 60s at my nearby home town of Iviukwe, the name Chief M.C.K. Orbih thundered and reverberated across the nooks and crannies of the then Kukuruku Division of the old Mid West Region (now known as Afenmailand or Edo North).
Orbih was a myth of some sort, larger than life. He was born on a quiet day on November 28, 1927. The renowned acronym, M.C.K, simply means Michael Clement Kadiri.
Chief M.C.K. Orbih had thus entered the world in Ogbona, Etsako Central, LGA, with little fanfare. Yes, like any other child sired in the then rustic village. No golden spoon. Yet, destiny had other plans. It had already inscribed greatness in the fine print of his life.
From the very beginning, his life seemed to echo Winston Churchill’s words: “To each, there comes a special moment when they are figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a very special thing.”
For young Michael, it was a life of extraordinary determination and sustained purpose. Even as a young boy, his journey to greatness was anything but ordinary. He had this mindset of deliberate insistence on success and nothing more.
The name “Michael” itself is of great biblical significance. He is the Archangel or “Chief or head of angels.” This angel whose name means “one who is like God”; or “who resembles God”; or “gift from God”, actually led other angels to defeat and expel from heaven, Satan. (See Revelation 12:7-9).
Orbih could not be held down. Is the significance of the name the reason he conquered all man-made obstacles on his journey to success? I do not know; or do you?
With entrenched colonial-era challenges obstructing his early education, young Michael faced his first hurdle at Catholic School, Ogbona, where progression beyond Standard Three was a dream deferred.
But, oh, how he made up for it! Channeling Proverbs 24:16; “Though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again”, young Michael’s unflagging determination to succeed pushed him to Uzairue and Agenebode, where he completed his primary education.
In 1943, armed with nothing but sheer grit and his First School Leaving Certificate, MCK launched himself into an unwelcoming world that would soon know his name.
It was at St. John Bosco’s Teacher Training College, Ubiaja, that the seeds of greatness began to bloom. He earned his Grade 3 Certificate in 1948 and a Grade II Certificate in 1951. “Some are born great,” Shakespeare wrote, “some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.”
Young Michael was clearly in the second category-he clawed his way towards greatness and excellence, never accepting mediocrity. His academic achievements were like chapters in a gripping novel, each page leaving you curious: what will he conquer next?
A TEACHER AND A MENTOR
For a man of such relentless ambition, humour was a surprising but essential part of his charm. Known to quip during his teacher training, “They said knowledge is power, but I didn’t know it came with homework!”, his humour gave him an air of relatability in the classroom.
It was not long before his students, many of whom would later become pillars of society, came to know their teacher as both a strict disciplinarian and simultaneously an unwitting comedian and humour merchant.
Upon completion of his education in 1951, young M.C.K. embarked on a teaching career, shaping the minds and future of a whole generation of youth in a most profound manner. His clout extended beyond the four walls of a classroom as he instilled in the pupils and the larger society, the timeless virtues of education, character, honesty and integrity, which continue to resonate two decades after his exit.
A DANCE WITH DESTINY: ORBIH AS A POLITICAL GLADIATOR
If the early years of Chief M.C.K Orbih’s life were the prelude, then his political and leadership career was the crescendo.
He was a pioneering Councilor of the Estako District Council (EDC) – the first democratically elected local government council before Nigeria’s independence in 1960. By 1959, Orbih had entered the House of Representatives for Afenmai-East Federal Constituency under the Action Group (AG).
Thus, this once-quiet boy from Ogbona who proudly served as one of the pioneer legislators in independent Nigeria from 1959-1964, was now shaping the future of an independent Nigeria. Here was a man who did not just step onto the stage of politics; he actually waltzed onto it, as though it had been prepared and waiting for him all along.
Chief Orbih was not the kind of politician who simply sat and nodded. During the Republican Constitutional debate in 1963, his words once rang through the precincts of the chambers like a bell: “The people who contest chieftaincy stools should be allowed room to have redress.” His colleagues were stunned. Could this young man from Etsako actually reshape centuries-old traditions with words alone?
It was a debate that solidified his place in Nigeria’s political history not just as a legislator, but as a defender of justice and fair play. His knack for delivering punchy, yet profound statements, earned him the sobriquet: “The Philosopher Knight.”
Yet, Chief Orbih was no stranger to wit even in the heat of politics. During a heated campaign, when he was accused of promising too much, he reportedly shot back: “I may not turn water into wine, but I’ll make sure there’s enough water for the wine you already have!” His sharp and quick wits endeared him to the masses, who saw in him not just the usual politician, but a human being with an authentic sense of humour.
MY CLOSE CONTACT WITH THE GRAND MASTER OF POLITICS
My closest contact with this great political maestro was between 2002 and 2003, when I had a stint in politics, running for the Governorship of Edo State. In 2002, I was told very firmly by the then PDP leaders that there was no vacancy in Osadebey Avenue.
I was told to run, instead, for a parliamentary position (Senate or House of Representatives), as the then incumbent governor, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, could not be challenged. I rejected this offer. I could not, in my innocence and political naivity, understand how a position will be held immuned to contestatation.
Quite miffed by this lack of level playing ground, I decided to cross carpet to another political party which I felt would accommodate my legitimate aspiration to lead my people at the governorship level. The then All Peoples Party (APP) which later transformed into ANPP, was my natural turf, being the strongest opposition at that time. This was in December, 2002.
A big rally was therefore organized for me at the Ogbaki Primary School field, Agenebode. With pageantry, the leading political gladiators in Edo State thronged Agenebode to receive me into their folds.
They were led by Chief M.C.K Orbih. In toe were luminous political leaders such as Admiral Augustus Aikhomu (former Vice Pesident to Gen Ibrahim Babangida); former Edo State Governor, Chief John Odigie – Oyegun; Senator Albert Legogie (former Deputy Senate President); Chief Dan Osi Orbih, its then National Welfare Officer; Senator Mathew Urhoghide; Senator Rowland Owie; Dr Tunde Lakoju; and a host of other eminent political lights.
My stint in the APP was also barren as I was made to understand that the governorship position had already been zoned to Edo South. Since I am from Edo North, I could not contest. Insisting on contesting would be considered an anti-party act which was sanctionable.
It then occurred to me that I was not carved out for politics- we were strange bed fellows, oil and water that could not mix. So, I quitted politics to face Law- my first and abiding passion. And I have since forever quitted partisan politics.
ORBIH – A GRASSROOTS DEVELOPER
During his tenure as a leader in the National Party of Nigeria to which he later belonged in the Second Republic, M.C.K worked tirelessly to extend the frontiers of healthcare access in Edo State as Chairman of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).
Health centres suddenly sprouted up in Ogbona (Edo North) and Udo, near Benin (Edo South). This was in fulfillment of a promise he had made to himself. Yet, this self-effacing man behind the scene carried out his work with remarkable humility. A great builder of alliances, Orbih would often muse, “Politics is not about winning friends; it’s about earning trust. If you can win both, even better.”
Chief Orbih’s political trajectory was not without suspense, twists and turns. In the debates over creation of the Midwest Region in the 60s, many had expected him to side with the opposition; yet he surprised even his closest allies by taking a neutral stance that ultimately earned him bipartisan respect. It was a reminder that, like all great leaders, he was not predictable; he was simply principled.
THE ORBIH CLAN
It may be easy to be a success in your profession, but even easier to be a dismal failure in your family life. MCK was a success in both. He carefully cultivated a clan, an orchard of illustrious children who have impacted society greatly.
I will only take two samples of this clan of successful men and women, to illustrate the apophthegm that a fruit does not fall far away from its mother tree: Chief (Sir) Ferdinand Oshioke Orbih and Chief Dan Osi Orbih.
While Ferdinand (I call him Ferdo) is a shining light in the legal profession, Dan, a friend, is one indomitable politician whom opponents can only ignore at their peril.
Quick-witted and sharp-tongued, he weaves, sings, dances and waxes lyrical and poetic at political rallies. Generously endowed in physique and brains, his dance steps on the political podium are a marvel to behold; just as his political gallantry is fearsome. He bestrides Edo State and South-South politics like a colossus.
What about my brother and bosom friend, Chief Ferdinand Oshioke Orbih, SAN? His is a story in itself – humble, suave, debonair, witty, gregarious, humorous and cerebral.
This papal knight, ferocious courtroom gladiator and pugilist is one lawyer that possesses breadth, depth and great erudition in tonnes. He teases me often that I could never ever offend him because he found his lovely wife and mother of his children through me.
Yes, he is right. It was at an elder brother’s event in 1984 to which I had invited Ferdinand. Little did I know that as we were eating and dancing, Oshoke was busy “chasing” his life partner. The rest, they say, is history. So, Ferdo, ensure you pay homage to me for life with – wait for it – annual supply of palmwine (okatu). God is wonderful indeed.
THE PERSONAE OF THE MAN BENEATH THE CLOAK: FAITH, FAMILY AND A LEGACY ETCHED IN TIME
THE CHURCH
Chief Orbih’s life was a proof that greatness does not exist in isolation; it is built on a foundation of faith, family and community. A devout Catholic, he was elevated to the fourth degree of knighthood in the Order of Knights of St. Mulumba, a recognition of his unwavering service to the Church. He was the Chancellor of his sub-Council. He indeed chaired the Avianwu Ordination Committee; helped ordain priests; and was often found meditating at St. Benedict’s Monastery, Ewu, Edo State.
“Faith”, as Søren Kierkegaard once wrote, “is the highest passion in a human being.” Chief Orbih lived out this passion with a quiet intensity that inspired everyone around him.
THE FAMILY
Orbih’s family was his sanctuary. To his children, he was not merely a father, but a devoted sage who could turn even mundane chores into life lessons. He would joke, “You’re not washing plates; you’re sharpening your skills for life!” His grandchildren delighted in his playful side, where even bedtime stories came with cliffhangers, “But that’s a story for tomorrow!”, he would say, leaving them wide-eyed with curiosity. His beloved wife, Mrs Christiana Ayenoya Orbih, was his soulmate and eternal lover. Orbih thus became the foundation and inspirer of his family, providing it with fatherly protection, laughter, teaching, wisdom, unconditional love and happy moments.
THE SOCIALS
But this man who worked and loved fiercely also played with abandon. His ventures into music and sports were legendary. Establishing the DeFacto Bar (later Hilltop Hotel, Auchi). He also established a Football Club. He transformed Auchi into a hub of entertainment. Even in the face of challenges such as the insolvency of the DeFacto Bar, his optimism never wavered. “Sometimes,” he mused, “failure is just success in disguise. A very good disguise, but still a disguise!”. He soldiered on.
HE WAS EVEN A SPORTSMAN
Chief Orbih’s athletic pursuits, particularly badminton and lawn tennis, earned him accolades and the admiration of his peers. “He never missed a serve,” one admirer recalled, “except when he was too busy scoring points in Parliament.”
His ability to balance work, play, family, life and faith was nothing short of remarkable. Chief Orbih was respected and revered by his people. These were duly reflected in two of his many chieftaincy titles- Ekhaevhe of Uzairue ( achievements can not be hidden ); and Aigbokhaivho of Avianwu ( An achiever is not traduced in his homeland).
THE FINAL BOW
When his time came on December 15, 2004, the world lost not just a good man, but an institution. Yet, true to his character, his departure was dignified, almost poetic. “The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil” (Isaiah 57:1). His life was a wondrous story, one that, like all great epics, left its readers wanting more.
Chief (Hon) Michael Clement Kadiri Orbih’s life was a masterclass in how to live with purpose, grace, humour and character. He was a man who rose from humble beginnings to touch the pinnacles of leadership; a teacher whose endearing lessons transcended the classroom; a business mogul who watered people’s lives with the manure of prosperity; and a politician whose endearing principles outshone his ambitions.
As we reflect on his epic journey, let us remember the words of Maya Angelou: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Chief Orbih made us feel inspired, hopeful, and deeply connected to the values that make life worth living.
His legacy is not just a chapter in the history books; it is a befitting living, breathing testament to the power of faith, resilience, and a well-timed joke. Chief M.C.K Orbih was indeed the orchard that shaded the masses. Surely, “his life was gentle and the elements so mixed in him, that nature might stand up and say to all the world: “This was a man!” (Julius Caesar, Act 5, Scene 5, by William Shakespeare).
May papa M.C.K’s memory continue to be a blessing; and may we all strive to live well; even with a fraction of the wit, wisdom and character he so effortlessly displayed.
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