Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Catholic Church is in mourning following the death of Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, Archbishop of the Benin City Archdiocese, who passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at the age of 69.
Archbishop Akubeze was widely respected for his exemplary leadership, unwavering faith, and decades of dedicated service to the Church and society.
Throughout his episcopal ministry, he played a pivotal role in strengthening the Catholic faith, promoting peace and justice, and providing compassionate pastoral care to the faithful.
His passing marks the end of a remarkable era for the Benin City Archdiocese and the Catholic Church in Nigeria.
Clergy, religious, and faithful across the country continue to pay tribute to a humble and devoted shepherd whose legacy of faith, service, and integrity will endure for generations.
His passing was announced by the Chancellor of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, Very Rev. Fr. Michael Oyanoafoh, in a statement on Thursday.
The statement read in part: “On behalf of the Consultors of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, we announce with profound sorrow, yet with a firm hope in the resurrection of the passing of our dearly beloved father and Archbishop, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, who was called home to the Lord on Thursday, July 9, 2026.
“He was ordained as a Catholic priest on October 3, 1987, appointed Bishop of Uromi on December 14, 2005 and consecrated on February 25, 2006.
“He was later appointed Archbishop of Benin City on March 18,2011 and installed on April 28, 2011.”
Also, the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Abuja, in its statement described the late Archbishop Akubeze as a unique Shepherd who understood that the true development of the Church embraces both spiritual renewal and the holistic growth of God’s people.
The statement signed by Rev. Fr. Michael A. Secretary General, posited that under his care, the Archdiocese of Benin City witnessed significant developmental strides.
He said, he was deeply committed to the welfare of his Priests with the conviction that the future of the Church depended on well-formed Shepherds.
“As an erstwhile President of the Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, he firmly stood as a pillar of orthodox truth. His voice did not tickle ears but fed souls bringing to light his episcopal motto “Ut Testimonium perhibeam veritati” (Jn. 18:37) which means “That I may bear witness to the Truth.
“His patient listening and selfless generosity embodied a compassionate Shepherd who knew the smell of his flock. He demonstrated always by his gentleness and quiet disposition that genuine authority in the Church is not measured by power but by service and this was a result of his deep level of spirituality,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Rev. Fr. Michael Oyanoafoh urged the Christian faithful to continue praying for the repose of the late cleric’s soul, adding that details of the funeral arrangements would be communicated in due course.
