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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.
“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.
It noted that the late Archbishop was passionate about the welfare and formation of priests, believing that the future of the Church depended on well-trained and spiritually grounded shepherds.
The Secretariat also recalled his tenure as President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), during which he became one of the country’s most respected Catholic voices on national issues.
According to the statement, Akubeze remained steadfast in defending the teachings of the Church and was widely admired for speaking the truth with courage and conviction.
It said his episcopal motto, Ut Testimonium Perhibeam Veritati (“That I may bear witness to the Truth”), reflected his unwavering commitment to truth, service and pastoral care.
The Secretariat further described him as a patient listener and generous shepherd whose humility and gentle disposition demonstrated that true authority in the Church is expressed through service rather than power.
During his years as Archbishop and CBCN President, Akubeze frequently spoke on issues affecting Nigeria, including insecurity, corruption, governance, justice and national unity, consistently urging leaders to place the welfare of citizens above personal interests.
His death marks the end of a distinguished ecclesiastical career spanning nearly four decades in the priesthood and more than two decades in the episcopacy.
He is survived by members of the clergy, religious faithful, family members and millions of Catholics across Nigeria who are mourning the loss of one of the country’s most respected church leaders.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City in due course.
