The Catholic Church in Nigeria has been thrown into mourning following the death of the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze.
The revered cleric died on Thursday, July 9, according to a statement issued by the Chancellor of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, Very Rev. Fr. Michael Oyanoafoh.
Announcing the passing of the Archbishop, the Archdiocese said it received the news with “profound sorrow, yet with a firm hope in the resurrection,” describing Akubeze as a humble shepherd who dedicated his life to the service of God and humanity.
“Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze lived a very simple and humble life in faith and obedience to the will of God. He impacted the lives of so many people. He was a complete gentleman and a father to us all,” the statement read.
Archbishop Akubeze was ordained a Catholic priest on October 3, 1987. He was appointed Bishop of Uromi on December 14, 2005, and consecrated on February 25, 2006, before Pope Benedict XVI elevated him as Archbishop of Benin City on March 18, 2011. He was installed on April 28, 2011.
During his episcopal ministry, he emerged as one of Nigeria’s most influential Catholic leaders, serving as President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) from 2018 to 2022 and consistently championing peace, justice, national unity and moral leadership.
The Archdiocese commended his soul to God’s mercy, praying for eternal rest while urging the faithful to continue praying for the repose of his soul.
It also appealed for prayers for the Archdiocese, his family and all those grieving his passing.
Funeral arrangements, the Church said, will be announced later.
