By Ayodele Oni
Encomium and commendations poured in for the late Archbishop of Benin, Augustine Obiora Akubueze, who was committed to mother earth on Thursday in Benin City, Edo state.
The presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, who was among dignataries urged Nigerians to emulate the virtues of the late Archbishop of Benin, Augustine Obiora Akubueze, whi he described as a man who dedicated his life to sacrifice and service,
Obi who spoke with journalists at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Benin , where the funeral Mass for the late Archbishop was held, described Archbishop Akubueze’s life and ministry as exceptional, highlighting his unwavering commitment to humanity and the Catholic Church.
His words: “Archbishop Akubueze lived an exceptional life. He lived his life for others. His life was sacrificial. Nigerians should learn from him. May the God who called him grant his soul eternal rest.”
Speaking, the Chairman of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso of the Archdiocese of Kaduna, said the late Archbishop Akubueze was an epitome of humility, commitment, and generosity, virtues which, he said, enabled the late cleric to succeed in the ministry.
Archbishop Man-Oso Ndagoso said Akubueze, who was a former President of the CBCN, continued to be a source of inspiration until his demise.
“It is with a profound sense of loss, yet with hope of the resurrection, that the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria received the news of the death of Most Reverend Augustine Obiora Akubueze, who was a man of extraordinary virtue humble yet fearless, gentle yet unwavering in his commitment to truth and justice.
“Above all, he was a man of deep interior life, sustained by constant prayer and reflection. His spiritual depth was the wellspring from which he drew strength to labour tirelessly for the flock entrusted to his care.
“He was grounded in his intimate communion with the Lord. He was a man of humble and gentle mien. We will not forget in a hurry how he steered the ship of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria as its President.
“His tenure was marked by deep commitment to unity, and his wise counsel has continued to shape the life of the Conference till date.
“His heart was genuinely and unreservedly given to those he served.
“He was also known for his gift of patiently listening to the problems of both clergy and laity. At the same time, his generosity was unmatched, and he will be remembered as a man who proclaimed the Gospel of generosity.”
On his part, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, thanked God for the life of the late Archbishop Akubueze, adding that the late cleric carried out his calling with dedication.
He said: “We thank God for the gift of his life, his priestly ministry, and his service to the Church and to God’s people. He carried out his calling with dedication, faith, courage, and love for the people entrusted to his care.
“Though we mourn his passing, we also give thanks for the legacy he leaves behind, the lives he touched, the people he encouraged, and the work he did for the growth of the Church.
“As we commit his soul into the hands of our merciful God, may the Lord grant him eternal rest and welcome him into His heavenly kingdom.”
Meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV, in a condolence message conveyed through the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, recalled the late Archbishop Akubueze’s years of dedicated episcopal service and his commitment to the Catholic Church, particularly during his tenure as President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria.
The Pope also commended Archbishop Akubueze’s pastoral initiatives and described his ministry as one worthy of recognition.
Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubueze, the Archbishop of Benin City, died on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at the age of 69. His death was announced by the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria the same day.
He was due to retire at age 70, making his death about a month before his expected retirement.
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