The Catholic Church in Nigeria has been thrown into mourning following the death of the Metropolitan Archbishop of Benin City and former President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze.
The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) announced the revered cleric’s passing in a statement issued on Thursday, inviting Catholics and people of goodwill to join in praying for the repose of his soul.
Announcing the development, the Secretariat stated:
“In total surrender to God’s will and in the sure hope of the Resurrection, the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria invites all the faithful and people of goodwill to unite in prayer for the eternal repose of the soul of Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, Metropolitan Archbishop of Benin City and former President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria.”
The Secretariat further prayed:
“May the Lord, in His infinite mercy, grant him everlasting rest. And may his soul, together with the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”
Archbishop Akubeze became the Metropolitan Archbishop of Benin City in 2011 and later served as President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria from 2018 to 2022.
Throughout his episcopal ministry, he was widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most influential Catholic leaders, earning respect for his unwavering commitment to pastoral service, justice, peace, good governance and national unity. His interventions on national issues and moral leadership made him a prominent voice within both the Church and the broader Nigerian society.
The Catholic Secretariat did not disclose the cause of his death but said further details, including funeral arrangements, would be communicated in due course.
