ABUJA — The Catholic community in Nigeria and the Archdiocese of Benin City have been plunged into deep mourning following the sudden passing of the Metropolitan Archbishop of Benin City, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze.
According to an official In Memoriam notice obtained by ABT NEWS, released by the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria and signed by the Secretary General, Rev. Fr. Michael A. Banjo, the revered Archbishop was called to eternal rest on Thursday, July 9, 2026. He was 69 years old.
Archbishop Akubeze (1956–2026) was a towering figure in the Nigerian Catholic Church. Serving as a former President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), he was widely respected as a “pillar of orthodox truth.”
The official statement described him as a “unique Shepherd who understood that the true development of the Church embraces both spiritual renewal and the holistic growth of God’s people.” Under his dedicated stewardship, the Archdiocese of Benin City experienced significant developmental and spiritual strides.
A Legacy of Service and Truth Throughout his ministry, Archbishop Akubeze was deeply committed to the welfare and formation of his priests, operating on the strong conviction that the future of the Church depends heavily on well-formed shepherds.
His life and pastoral work were heavily guided by his episcopal motto: “Ut Testimonium perhibeam veritati” (John 18:37), which translates to “That I may bear witness to the Truth.”
The Catholic Secretariat praised his leadership style, noting that his “patient listening and selfless generosity embodied a compassionate Shepherd who knew the smell of his flock.” The memo further emphasized that his gentle and quiet disposition proved that “genuine authority in the Church is not measured by power but by service,” a direct result of his profound spirituality.
The Catholic Secretariat concluded its announcement with a prayer for the late Archbishop: “May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace and may the Risen Lord who conquered death grant him eternal life in His kingdom. Amen.”
Details regarding the funeral arrangements and burial will be communicated by the Archdiocese and the Catholic Secretariat in due course.
Stay tuned to ABT NEWS for continuing coverage and further updates on this developing story.
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