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Francis Onoiribholo
The Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City has been thrown into mourning following the death of its Archbishop, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, barely a month before his retirement.
Archbishop Akubeze reportedly died peacefully in his sleep while on vacation outside Nigeria on Thursday.
He was due to celebrate his 70th birthday on August 25, 2026, the age at which Catholic bishops are expected to retire in accordance with the Church’s canon law.
The Archbishop’s death was officially announced in a statement titled “Notification of Death” issued by the Chancellor of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, Very Rev. Fr. Michael Oyanoafoh.
The statement expressed grief over the passing of the prelate “with profound sorrow, yet with a firm hope in the resurrection.”
It recalled that Archbishop Akubeze was ordained a Catholic priest on October 3, 1987, before his appointment as Bishop of Uromi on December 14, 2005.
He was consecrated bishop on February 25, 2006, and later elevated as Archbishop of Benin City on March 18, 2011. He was formally installed on April 28, 2011.
Reflecting on his life and ministry, the Archdiocese described him as a humble servant of God whose legacy would continue to inspire many.
“Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze lived a very simple and humble life in faith and obedience to the will of God. He impacted on the lives of so many people. He was a complete gentleman and a father to us all.
“We commend his soul to the infinite mercy of God. May the Lord grant him a merciful judgement and eternal rest.”
The Archdiocese added that details of his funeral arrangements would be announced in due course.
In a separate statement, the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, signed by its Secretary General, Rev. Fr. Michael A. Banjo, said the Church had accepted the Archbishop’s passing as the will of God.
According to the statement, the Catholic Church in Nigeria has announced the passing of the Metropolitan Archbishop of Benin City, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, who died on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at the age of 69.
Describing the late Archbishop as a devoted shepherd and servant of God, the Secretariat said Archbishop Akubeze dedicated his life to both the spiritual renewal of the Church and the holistic development of the faithful.
“Under his leadership, the Archdiocese of Benin City witnessed significant growth and development, while he remained deeply committed to the welfare and formation of priests”.
The statement also paid tribute to his national leadership within the Catholic Church.
“As a former President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Akubeze was remembered as a steadfast defender of the Catholic faith whose preaching and leadership were anchored on truth, humility and faithful service”.
“His episcopal motto, Ut Testimonium Perhibeam Veritati—”That I may bear witness to the Truth” (John 18:37)—was reflected throughout his ministry”, the statement noted.
The Secretariat described him as a compassionate pastor whose patient listening, generosity and gentle disposition earned him the respect and affection of both clergy and laity.
It further observed that Archbishop Akubeze believed genuine authority in the Church was measured not by power, but by service, a principle that shaped his pastoral ministry and leadership.
Born on August 25, 1956, Archbishop Akubeze served as Archbishop of Benin City from 2011 after previously serving as Bishop of Uromi.
He also served as President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria from 2018 to 2022, becoming one of the country’s most influential Catholic leaders.
The Catholic Secretariat concluded its message with prayers for the repose of his soul, expressing hope in the resurrection and asking that the Risen Lord grant him eternal rest.
The passing of Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze marks the end of an era in the Catholic Church in Nigeria, particularly within the Benin Ecclesiastical Province, where his years of faithful ministry left an enduring legacy of truth, humility, pastoral care and unwavering service to God and humanity.
