The celebration of Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze’s 20th Episcopal Ordination was not just an anniversary, but a living testament to the enduring power of faith, leadership, and service in the Lord’s vineyard. On April 22, 2026, St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Benin City became a radiant epicentre of thanksgiving, as bishops, priests, religious, dignitaries, and the faithful converged to honour a shepherd whose journey has been marked by courage, vision, and sacrifice.
The highlight of the day was the stirring homily of Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, who reminded the Church that the bishop’s calling is not ornamental but sacrificial. He painted the image of the Good Shepherd as one who walks with his flock, bearing the weight of their struggles, and warned against the danger of becoming a mere figurehead; a “scarecrow in the vineyard.” His words resonated deeply, not only as a theological reflection but as a moral challenge to leaders in both Church and society: to give, not to take; to serve, not to exploit.
Archbishop Akubeze’s legacy was celebrated in full colour beginning from his pioneering role in Uromi Diocese, his leadership of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), his digital evangelisation, and his tireless work in youth empowerment and social justice. The presence of government officials, traditional rulers, and civic leaders testified to his ability to bridge the sacred and the secular, offering moral clarity in turbulent times.
As the day drew to a close, Archbishop Akubeze lifted the chalice with serene gratitude, reaffirming his motto, Ut Testimonium Perhibeam Veritati; “To bear witness to the truth.” His words were not of triumph but of humility, acknowledging the weight of his office and the need for the prayers of the faithful as he steps into his third decade of service.
The anniversary was far more than a mere historical commemoration; it served as a profound renewal of the bond between Christ’s faithful of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City and their loving shepherd. This gathering reaffirmed the Church’s fundamental mission to operate as a true family of God; a community where cultural and ethnic differences are dissolved in the shared commitment to the selfless service of humanity. In reflecting on the past two decades of Archbishop Akubeze’s journey, the faithful manifested that they did not witness a “scarecrow” standing idly in the vineyard, but rather a dedicated pastor walking steadfastly with his flock, embodying the enduring love and sacrifice of Christ the Good Shepherd.
