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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The Catholic Church in Nigeria has been thrown into mourning following the death of the Metropolitan Archbishop of Benin City, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 69.
The announcement was made separately by the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City and the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, which described the late prelate as a humble shepherd, defender of the faith and a compassionate leader whose ministry touched countless lives.
In a statement signed by the Chancellor of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, Very Rev. Fr. Michael Oyanoafoh, the Archdiocese said Archbishop Akubeze died on Thursday, July 9, 2026, and urged the faithful to continue praying for the repose of his soul.
The Archdiocese noted that although his passing had brought profound sorrow, Christians remained steadfast in the hope of Christ’s resurrection.
It described the late Archbishop as a man of deep faith, simplicity and humility who lived in obedience to the will of God and served as a father figure to many.
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“Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze lived a very simple and humble life in faith and obedience to the will of God. He impacted the lives of so many people. He was a complete gentleman and a father to us all,” the statement said.
The Archdiocese added that funeral arrangements would be announced later.
Born in 1956, Akubeze was ordained a Catholic priest on October 3, 1987. He was appointed Bishop of Uromi on December 14, 2005, and was consecrated on February 25, 2006.
He was later appointed Archbishop of Benin City on March 18, 2011, before his installation on April 28, 2011, succeeding the late Archbishop Patrick Ekpu.
Paying tribute to the late cleric, the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria said Archbishop Akubeze was an exceptional Church leader who combined spiritual leadership with a commitment to the overall development of the people.
In a statement signed by the Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Rev. Fr. Michael A. Banjo, the Secretariat said the Archdiocese of Benin City recorded remarkable developmental strides under his leadership.
