Rita Enemuru, Reporting
THE Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City and the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria have announced the passing of Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, Metropolitan Archbishop of Benin City, who died on Thursday, 9 July 2026 at the age of 69.
Archbishop Akubeze, who had led the Archdiocese of Benin City since 2011, was called to eternal rest “with hope in the resurrection and complete resignation to the will of God”, according to a statement signed by the Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Rev. Fr. Michael A. Banjo.
Ordained a Catholic priest on 3 October 1987, the late Archbishop was appointed Bishop of Uromi on 14 December 2005 and consecrated on 25 February 2006.
He was later appointed Archbishop of Benin City on 18 March 2011 and installed on 28 April 2011.
In his tribute, Fr. Banjo described the Archbishop 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.”
He noted that under Archbishop Akubeze’s care, the Archdiocese witnessed significant developmental strides, and that he was “deeply committed to the welfare of his Priests with the conviction that the future of the Church depended on well-formed Shepherds.”
As a former President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Akubeze was remembered as “a pillar of orthodox truth” whose voice “did not tickle ears but fed souls.”
His episcopal motto, “Ut Testimonium perhibeam veritati” (John 18:37) – “That I may bear witness to the Truth” – defined his ministry.”
Fr. Banjo added: “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 and this was a result of his deep level of spirituality.”
The Chancellor of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, Very Rev. Fr. Michael Oyanofah, also issued a notification of death, expressing sorrow “yet with a firm hope in the resurrection.”
He described the late Archbishop as one who “lived a very simple and humble life in faith and obedience to the will of God” and as “a complete gentleman and a father to us all.”
“We commend his soul to the infinite mercy of God,” Fr. Oyanofah wrote. “May the Lord grant him a merciful judgement and eternal rest. May perpetual light shine upon him. Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may he rejoice in the presence of the Lord together with the saints and angels.”
Funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.
The faithful have been asked to continue praying for the repose of his soul.
