General News
THE Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) has announced the death of the Metropolitan Archbishop of Benin City, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze.
The announcement was contained in an official statement signed by the Secretary-General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Rev. Fr. Michael A. Banjo, on Thursday.
According to the statement, Archbishop Akubeze died on Thursday, July 9, at the age of 69.
“With hope in the resurrection and complete resignation to the will of God, we announce the passing of Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Benin City, who was called to eternal rest on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at the age of 69,” the statement said.
The secretariat described the late prelate as a devoted shepherd whose leadership combined spiritual renewal with the holistic development of God’s people.
It noted that under his stewardship, the Archdiocese of Benin City witnessed significant developmental progress.
The statement also highlighted his commitment to the welfare and formation of priests, noting that he believed the future of the Church depended on well-trained and spiritually grounded shepherds.
“Archbishop Akubeze was a unique Shepherd who understood that the true development of the Church embraces both spiritual renewal and the holistic growth of God’s people.
“He was deeply committed to the welfare of his priests with the conviction that the future of the Church depended on well-formed Shepherds,” it stated.
The secretariat further recalled his service as a former President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), describing him as a strong defender of orthodox Catholic teaching.
According to the statement, Akubeze’s episcopal motto, “Ut Testimonium perhibeam veritati” (That I may bear witness to the Truth), reflected his unwavering commitment to truth and service.
It said the late archbishop was known for his humility, generosity, patient listening and compassionate pastoral approach.
“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,” the statement added.
The secretariat prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul and asked God to grant him eternal life.
Born on Dec. 28, 1956, Augustine Obiora Akubeze was ordained a Catholic priest on July 1, 1984, for the Diocese of Benin City.
He was appointed Bishop of Uromi in 2005 by Pope John Paul II and was ordained bishop on Sept. 29, 2005.
In 2011, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him Archbishop of Benin City, succeeding Archbishop John Burke.
Akubeze served as President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria from 2020 to 2024, during which he played a prominent role in advocating peace, good governance and national unity.
Throughout his episcopal ministry, he was widely respected for his commitment to evangelisation, priestly formation, education and social development.
His death marks the end of more than four decades of priestly ministry and over two decades of episcopal service to the Catholic Church in Nigeria.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the Archdiocese of Benin City and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria in due course.
Tags: Archbishop Akubeze Benin Archdiocese mourns Catholic Secretariat