Chief Ferdinand Oshioke Orbih, SAN
MBA
Chief Ferdinand Oshioke Orbih (SAN), a distinguished legal professional with robust academic credentials, has served the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in various leadership roles. Since 1998, he has been a member of the NBA's National Executive Committee, contributing significantly to its Human Rights and Rule of Law committees. From 2014 to 2016, he chaired the NBA's Select Committee and later led the Democracy Advocacy and Election Petition Litigation Committee of the Section on Legal Practice. Between 2019 and 2023, he chaired the Section on Legal Practice. Additionally, he chaired the Midwest Bar Forum from 2013 to 2016, supporting the region's aspiration for NBA leadership.
Chief Orbih's judicial service includes membership in the Edo State Judicial Service Commission (2005-2009) and the General Council of the Bar (2015-2023). He became a Life Bencher in 2020, joining Nigeria's highest legal body. His expertise in arbitration is notable, having acted as counsel and arbitrator in significant cases, such as the AIC vs. Federal Ministry of Works arbitration in London (2012) and the arbitration between Eurafic Power Limited and the Nigerian government (2023). He has been a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators since 2013 and joined the National Judicial Council in 2024.
Chief Orbih's contributions extend to academia and public speaking, where he has presented numerous papers on legal topics and contributed to legal literature. His honors include the Paul Harris Fellow, various chieftaincy titles, and multiple merit awards recognizing his leadership and contributions to the legal profession. His work includes influential lectures and contributions to books, showcasing his expertise and dedication to advancing legal practice in Nigeria.