The Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City has been thrown into mourning following the death of its Archbishop, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, just weeks before he was due to retire from active service.
Archbishop Akubeze reportedly passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, July 9, while on vacation outside Nigeria. He was expected to mark his 70th birthday on August 25, 2026, the age at which Catholic bishops are required by canon law to retire.
The sad news was formally announced by the Chancellor of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, Very Rev. Fr. Michael Oyanoafoh, in a statement titled Notification of Death. The statement conveyed the grief of the Archdiocese over the passing of the prelate, while also expressing hope in the promise of resurrection.
The Archdiocese reflected on the late Archbishop’s years of service, recalling that he was ordained a Catholic priest on October 3, 1987. He was later appointed Bishop of Uromi on December 14, 2005, and consecrated bishop on February 25, 2006.
His journey in the episcopacy continued when he was elevated as Archbishop of Benin City on March 18, 2011, before his formal installation on April 28 of the same year.
Paying tribute to his life and ministry, the Archdiocese described him as a humble servant of God whose impact would continue to resonate across the Church and beyond. It said Archbishop Akubeze lived a simple life marked by faith, humility and obedience to the will of God, while also touching countless lives through his pastoral care and fatherly presence.
The statement added that he was regarded as a complete gentleman and a father figure to many, while prayers were offered for God to grant him mercy, a favourable judgment and eternal rest.
The Archdiocese said details of his funeral arrangements would be communicated at a later date.
In a separate statement, the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria also mourned the Archbishop’s passing, describing it as a painful loss but one accepted in faith as the will of God. The statement, signed by the Secretary General of the Secretariat, Rev. Fr. Michael A. Banjo, praised Akubeze as a shepherd who devoted himself not only to the spiritual life of the Church but also to its broader growth and development.
According to the Secretariat, the late Archbishop understood that the true progress of the Church goes beyond spiritual renewal and must also include the holistic development of God’s people. It noted that under his leadership, the Archdiocese of Benin City recorded major strides in development, while he remained deeply committed to the welfare and formation of priests.
The Secretariat also highlighted his role as a former President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, describing him as a firm voice for orthodox truth whose teachings were rooted in substance and conviction rather than convenience. His episcopal motto, Ut Testimonium perhibeam veritati, meaning That I may bear witness to the Truth, was said to reflect the core of his ministry and public witness.
It further remembered him as a compassionate and selfless leader whose calm nature, patient listening and generosity reflected the heart of a true shepherd. According to the statement, Archbishop Akubeze consistently showed that authority in the Church is best expressed through service, humility and deep spirituality rather than power.
