Most Rev. Fr.
Augustine Obiora Akubeze, the Catholic Archbishop of Benin, has died just weeks before he would have reached retirement age. He passed away in his sleep while on vacation outside Nigeria.
Akubeze was set to turn 70 on August 25, a milestone that would have triggered his retirement under Catholic Church law. The death came as a shock to the faithful and clergy across the archdiocese.
Very Rev. Fr.
Michael Oyanoafoh, the Chancellor of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, made the announcement in a statement titled "Notification of Death." He described the loss "with profound sorrow, yet with a firm hope in the resurrection."
The cleric had a distinguished career spanning decades in the priesthood. He was ordained a priest on October 3, 1987, and rose through the ranks of the Church hierarchy.
In 2005, Akubeze was appointed Bishop of Uromi on December 14 and consecrated on February 25, 2006. Six years later, he took the helm at Benin City as archbishop, appointed on March 18, 2011 and installed on April 28, 2011.
Those who knew him remembered a man of unwavering faith and devotion. "Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze lived a very simple and humble life in faith and obedience to the will of God," Oyanoafoh said in the statement.
The chancellor noted that Akubeze touched countless lives throughout his ministry. "He was a complete gentleman and a father to us all," he added, calling on the faithful to commend his soul to God's mercy.
The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria also issued a statement mourning the loss. Rev.
Fr. Michael A.
Banjo, the organisation's Secretary General, said the Church viewed the death as God's will.
Akubeze had previously served as President of the Bishops Conference of Nigeria, where he earned respect for his principled stance on Church doctrine. "His voice did not tickle ears but fed souls," the secretariat noted, referencing his episcopal motto: "That I may bear witness to the Truth."
Under his leadership, the Archdiocese of Benin City saw significant development and growth. He showed particular concern for the formation and welfare of priests, believing they were vital to the Church's future.
Oyanoafoh said funeral arrangements would be announced at a later date. The archdiocese and the broader Catholic community now await details on how to honour his memory.
