Catholic Archbishop, Augustine Akubeze Dies at 69

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.

The revered cleric reportedly died peacefully in his sleep while on vacation abroad, just weeks before he was due to retire from active episcopal ministry.

Archbishop Akubeze would have celebrated his 70th birthday on August 25, 2026, the age at which Catholic bishops are required under Church law to submit their resignation to the Pope. His retirement was therefore expected to take effect around the same period.

His passing marks the end of a distinguished ecclesiastical career that spanned nearly four decades and was defined by unwavering commitment to the Catholic faith, social justice, and national development.

Akubeze was ordained a Catholic priest on October 3, 1987. He was appointed the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Uromi on December 14, 2005, before being consecrated on February 25, 2006. In 2011, he was elevated as the Metropolitan Archbishop of Benin City, following his appointment on March 18, 2011, and was formally installed on April 28, 2011.

Throughout his years of service, he became one of the country’s most respected Catholic leaders and also served as President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), where he frequently spoke on national issues, advocating justice, good governance, peace, and the protection of human dignity.

Okpebholo Describes Death as a Great Loss

Reacting to the sad development, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo expressed deep sorrow over the Archbishop’s passing, describing it as a painful loss to the Catholic Church, Edo State, and Nigeria as a whole.

In a condolence message issued on Thursday through his Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele, the governor praised the late cleric for dedicating his entire life to the service of God and humanity.

According to Okpebholo, Archbishop Akubeze’s legacy was built on faith, humility, compassion, integrity, and selfless leadership.

He said the late Archbishop remained a courageous moral voice who consistently championed justice, peace, unity, and the welfare of ordinary Nigerians, particularly the less privileged.

The governor noted that Akubeze distinguished himself as both a humble spiritual leader and a fearless advocate for good governance throughout his years of ministry.

He also acknowledged the significant contributions the late Archbishop made as the Metropolitan Archbishop of Benin City and as a former President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria.

Okpebholo extended his heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, priests, religious communities, members of the laity within the Benin Archdiocese, and the immediate family of the deceased cleric.

He further assured the Catholic community of the Edo State Government’s support as they mourn the loss of one of the Church’s most respected leaders.

Obaseki Hails Akubeze’s Legacy of Service

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, sacrifice, and unwavering service to humanity.

Obaseki said Archbishop Akubeze remained a passionate advocate for quality education, social justice, peace, human dignity, and improved welfare for the poor and vulnerable.

He recalled that while serving as President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Akubeze emerged as one of the nation’s most respected moral authorities.

According to the former governor, the Archbishop consistently spoke out in favour of accountable leadership, credible elections, national security, peaceful coexistence among Nigerians, and the sanctity of human life.

Obaseki also reflected on the cordial relationship they shared during his administration, noting that the late cleric was a dependable source of wise counsel and a valued partner in advancing initiatives in education, healthcare, youth empowerment, peacebuilding, and social development across Edo State.

He described Akubeze’s death as a monumental loss not only to the Catholic Church and Edo State but also to Nigeria and the global Christian community.

Both Governor Okpebholo and former Governor Obaseki prayed 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 everyone grieving his passing.

The death of Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze marks the end of an era for the Catholic Church in Nigeria, where he will be remembered for his spiritual leadership, principled stance on national issues, and enduring commitment to justice, peace, and the service of humanity.