Nation Mourns: Prominent Catholic Archbishop Passes Away, Okpebholo And Obaseki React

The Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, has died.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The revered cleric reportedly passed away peacefully in his sleep while on vacation outside Nigeria, just weeks before his planned retirement from active ministry.

Archbishop Akubeze would have celebrated his 70th birthday on August 25, the age at which Catholic bishops are expected to retire in accordance with Church regulations.

Ordained a Catholic priest on October 3, 1987, Akubeze was appointed Bishop of Uromi on December 14, 2005, and consecrated on February 25, 2006. He later became the Archbishop of Benin City after his appointment on March 18, 2011, and was formally installed on April 28, 2011.

His death has drawn tributes from political leaders and members of the Catholic community across the country.

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, described the Archbishop’s passing as a profound loss to the Catholic Church, Edo State and Nigeria.

In a condolence message issued on Thursday through his Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele, the governor praised the late cleric for his unwavering commitment to God, humanity and the advancement of justice.

According to Okpebholo, Archbishop Akubeze lived a life defined by faith, humility, compassion and selfless leadership, while consistently advocating justice, peace, national unity and the welfare of the less privileged.

He noted that the late Archbishop distinguished himself as a courageous spiritual leader whose contributions to the Catholic Church extended beyond the Benin Archdiocese, particularly during his tenure as President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria.

The governor extended his condolences to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the Benin Archdiocese, as well as members of the Archbishop’s family.

He also assured the Catholic community of the Edo State Government’s support throughout the mourning period.

Former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki also paid glowing tribute to the late Archbishop, describing him as an exceptional shepherd whose life exemplified faith, humility and dedicated service.

Obaseki said Archbishop Akubeze remained a passionate advocate for quality education, social justice, peace, human dignity and the protection of society’s most vulnerable members.

He recalled that, as President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, the late cleric emerged as one of the country’s most respected moral voices, consistently speaking out on issues of accountable leadership, credible elections, national security, peaceful coexistence and the sanctity of human life.

The former governor also reflected on the close working relationship they shared during his administration, describing Akubeze as a trusted adviser and valuable partner in promoting education, healthcare, youth development, peacebuilding and social progress across Edo State.

Obaseki described the Archbishop’s death as a monumental loss to the Catholic Church, Edo State, Nigeria and the global Christian community.

Both leaders offered prayers for the peaceful repose of Archbishop Akubeze’s soul and expressed condolences to the Catholic faithful, his family and all those grieving his passing.