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• Urges Nigerians to emulate him
From Tony Osauzo, Benin
Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has said the late Archbishop of Benin, Augustine Obiora Akubeze, lived a sacrificial life, urging Nigerians to emulate him.
He stated this yesterday while speaking to journalists at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Benin City, venue of the funeral Mass for the Archbishop, describing his life as exceptional.
“Archbishop Akubeze lived an exceptional life. He lived his life for others. His life was sacrificial. Nigerians should learn from him. May the God who called him grant his soul eternal rest,” Obi said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso of the Archdiocese of Kaduna, said the late Archbishop Akubeze was an epitome of humility, commitment and generosity; virtues which he said, enabled him to succeed in the ministry.
He said Akubueze, a former President of the CBCN, continued to be a source of inspiration until his demise.
“It is with a profound sense of loss, yet with hope of the resurrection, that the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria received the news of the death of Most Reverend Augustine Obiora Akubueze, who was a man of extraordinary virtue—humble yet fearless, gentle yet unwavering in his commitment to truth and justice. Above all, he was a man of deep interior life, sustained by constant prayer and reflection. His spiritual depth was the wellspring from which he drew strength to labour tirelessly for the flock entrusted to his care.
“He was grounded in his intimate communion with the Lord. He was a man of humble and gentle mien. We will not forget in a hurry how he steered the ship of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria as its president. His tenure was marked by deep commitment to unity and his wise counsel has continued to shape the life of the Conference till date.
“His heart was genuinely and unreservedly given to those he served. He was also known for his gift of patiently listening to the problems of both clergy and laity. At the same time, his generosity was unmatched and he will be remembered as a man who proclaimed the Gospel of generosity.”
In his remarks, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, thanked God for the life of the late Archbishop Akubeze, noting that he carried out his calling with dedication.
“We thank God for the gift of his life, his priestly ministry and his service to the Church and to God’s people. He carried out his calling with dedication, faith, courage and love for the people entrusted to his care.
“Though we mourn his passing, we also give thanks for the legacy he leaves behind, the lives he touched, the people he encouraged and the work he did for the growth of the Church.
“As we commit his soul into the hands of our merciful God, may the Lord grant him eternal rest and welcome him into His heavenly kingdom,” Okpebholo said.
Pope Leo XIV, who sent his condolence message through the Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, said he recalled Archbishop Akubueze’s years of dedication to his episcopal ministry and his commitment as President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, while commending his pastoral initiatives.
He said His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, commends the late Archbishop’s ministry.
The event was attended by Cardinal John Onaiyekan, Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja; Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpaleke; Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo; Obi and about 62 Catholic bishops, among others.
