The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria announces that, following the passing on to eternal glory of His Grace, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, Archbishop of Benin City, the Holy Father Pope Leo XIV has appointed Most Rev. Donatus Ogun, O.S.A., Bishop of Uromi Diocese, as Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Benin City.
This appointment takes effect immediately and will remain in place sede vacante – during the vacant see and pending the appointment of a substantive Archbishop for the Archdiocese.
The Archdiocese of Benin City, one of the oldest Catholic jurisdictions in Nigeria, was erected in 1962 and has played a vital role in the evangelization of Edo and Delta States. The late Archbishop Akubeze, who served as Archbishop from 2011 until his death, was widely known for his pastoral zeal, commitment to justice, peace, and interfaith dialogue. He also served as President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria from 2018 to 2022.
Most Rev. Donatus Ogun, O.S.A., a member of the Order of Saint Augustine, has been Bishop of Uromi Diocese since 2014. Prior to his episcopal ministry, he served in various pastoral and formation roles within the Augustinian Order in Nigeria and abroad. His appointment as Apostolic Administrator entrusts him with the temporary governance of the Archdiocese — to oversee its spiritual and administrative affairs until a new Archbishop is named by the Holy See.
We congratulate Bishop Donatus Ogun on this new ecclesial responsibility and assure him of our fraternal support, solidarity, and prayers.
We also commend the soul of Archbishop Augustine Akubeze to the mercy of God, and we pray for the clergy, religious, and lay faithful of the Archdiocese of Benin City during this period of mourning and transition. May the Holy Spirit guide the process of selecting a new shepherd for the Archdiocese.
May the Lord grant Bishop Donatus Ogun wisdom, strength, and abundant grace as he shepherds the flock entrusted to his care in this interim period.
Eternal rest grant unto Archbishop Akubeze, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.