Pa!nful Loss’: Prominent Catholic Archbishop Passes Away As Okpebholo, Obaseki Mourn

The Catholic Church in Nigeria has been thrown into mourning following the death of the Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, who reportedly passed away in his sleep while on vacation abroad, just weeks before his planned retirement.

According to reports monitored by Ireporter Online, the respected cleric died about a month before his 70th birthday, which was scheduled for August 25, the date he was also expected to retire in accordance with the Catholic Church’s regulations.

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. In 2011, he was elevated to the position of Archbishop of Benin City, following his appointment on March 18 and installation on April 28 of the same year.

Reacting to the development, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo described the Archbishop’s death as a painful loss to the Catholic Church, Edo State and the nation at large. In a condolence message issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele, the governor praised the late cleric’s unwavering commitment to God and humanity, noting that he lived a life defined by faith, humility, compassion and integrity.

Okpebholo said Archbishop Akubeze was widely respected for his moral courage and dedication to justice, peace, national unity and the welfare of the less privileged. He added that the late Archbishop distinguished himself through exemplary leadership, both as Metropolitan Archbishop of Benin City and as a former President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria.

The governor extended his sympathies to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, the clergy, religious faithful of the Benin Archdiocese and the Archbishop’s family, assuring the Church of the Edo State Government’s support during the mourning period.

Former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki also paid glowing tribute to the late Archbishop, describing him as an exceptional spiritual leader whose life embodied faith, humility and selfless service. He commended Akubeze’s commitment to advancing quality education, social justice, peace, human dignity and the welfare of vulnerable members of society.

Obaseki further recalled the Archbishop’s tenure as President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, during which he emerged as one of the country’s most respected moral voices, consistently advocating for accountable leadership, credible elections, national security, peaceful coexistence and the sanctity of human life.

The former governor also reflected on their cordial relationship while in office, describing Archbishop Akubeze as a trusted adviser and dependable partner in promoting education, healthcare, youth empowerment, peacebuilding and social development across Edo State.

Both leaders offered prayers for the peaceful repose of the late Archbishop’s soul and asked God to grant strength and comfort to the Catholic faithful, his family and all those grieving his passing.