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