By Adesina Soyooye
The Roman Catholic Church in Nigeria is in deep mourning.
It has lost the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Benin City, Most Rev. Augustine Akubueze. He passed on Thursday at the age of 69, and just a month to his retirement age of 70 years.
The revered Cleric’s passing was announced on Thursday by the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, the same day he passed – Thursday, July 9, 2026.
The announcement read:
“With hope in the resurrection and complete resignation to the will of God, we announce the passing of Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Benin City, who was called to eternal rest on Thursday, 9 July 2026 at the age of 69.”
Signed by the Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Fr. Michael Banjo, the Church described Archbishop Akubeze as a devoted shepherd of God whose ministry was marked by unwavering commitment to the spiritual and human development of the faithful.
Archbishop Akubeze’s episcopal leadership it said, transformed the Archdiocese of Benin City in Edo State through sustained pastoral care and developmental initiatives.
“Archbishop Akubeze was a unique Shepherd who understood that the true development of the Church embraces both spiritual renewal and the holistic growth of God’s people,” it said.
Under his leadership, it added, the Archdiocese recorded significant progress, while he remained deeply committed to the welfare and formation of priests, believing that the future of the Church depended on well-trained shepherds.
Reflecting on his national leadership, the secretariat noted that as a former President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Akubeze remained steadfast in defending the teachings of the Church.
“As an erstwhile President of the Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, he firmly stood as a pillar of orthodox truth. His voice did not tickle ears but fed souls bringing to light his episcopal motto “Ut Testimonium perhibeam veritati” (Jn. 18:37) which means “That I may bear witness to the Truth,” it said.
The statement noted that the late archbishop was a compassionate and humble leader whose style of ministry reflected service above authority.
“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.
“May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace and may the Risen Lord who conquered death grant him eternal life in His kingdom. Amen.”
Archbishop Obiora Augustine Akubueze was born in Kaduna, but he was a native of Akili, Ogbaru, Anambra State.
The cause of the Archbishop’s death was not made public.
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