The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) has announced the death of the Metropolitan Archbishop of Benin City, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, who died on Thursday at the age of 69.
In a statement signed by the Secretary-General of the CSN, Rev. Fr. Michael Banjo, the Secretariat said Archbishop Akubeze died on July 9, expressing hope in the resurrection and submission to the will of God.
The Secretariat described the late Archbishop as a devoted shepherd who combined spiritual leadership with efforts to promote the holistic development of the Church and its faithful.
It said that under his leadership, the Archdiocese of Benin City recorded significant developmental strides and that he remained committed to the welfare and proper formation of priests.
The CSN also recalled Akubeze’s tenure as President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), describing him as a steadfast defender of the Catholic faith whose ministry was marked by humility, compassion and service.
According to the statement, the late Archbishop’s episcopal motto, “Ut Testimonium perhibeam veritati” (“That I may bear witness to the Truth”), reflected his unwavering commitment to proclaiming the truth and serving God’s people.
The Secretariat prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul and asked God to grant him eternal rest.
