Late Archbishop Akubeze’s Remains Arrive Benin City, Received by Governor Okpebholo

…Catholic faithful, government officials gather to honour respected cleric

…Archbishop served as CBCN President from 2018 to 2022

The remains of the late Metropolitan Archbishop of Benin City, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, arrived in Benin City, Edo State, on Tuesday, where they were received by Governor Monday Okpebholo and other top government officials.

The body of the respected Catholic cleric was received on behalf of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City by the Apostolic Administrator, Bishop Donatus Ogun, alongside Rev. Fr. Dr. Augustine Ehigie, Rev. Fr. Michael Oyanoafoh, Papal Knights, and members of the Knights of St. Mulumba.

The arrival of the remains was marked by an outpouring of grief and tributes from Catholic faithful, government officials, and residents of the state, who gathered in large numbers to honour the late Archbishop.

A Life of Service

Archbishop Akubeze, who died on July 9, 2026, at the age of 69, was born on August 25, 1956, in Kaduna, Northern Nigeria.

He was ordained a Catholic priest on October 3, 1987, and consecrated a bishop on February 25, 2006. Following his appointment on December 14, 2005, he became the pioneer Bishop of Uromi, a position he held until 2011.

On March 18, 2011, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him Archbishop of Benin City, and he was installed on April 28, 2011. Until his death, Akubeze served as the Metropolitan Archbishop of Benin City and remained a prominent voice in the Catholic Church in Nigeria.

Leadership in the Catholic Bishops’ Conference

The late Archbishop played a significant role in the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN). He served as Vice-President of the CBCN from 2012 to 2018 and later as President from 2018 to 2022, during which time he provided visionary leadership for the Catholic Church in Nigeria.

He also served as Apostolic Administrator of the Catholic Diocese of Warri, further demonstrating his commitment to pastoral care and church administration.

A Legacy of Faith and Service

Archbishop Akubeze leaves behind a significant legacy of pastoral leadership and service to the Catholic Church in Nigeria. His passing has been widely mourned across the country, with many paying tribute to his humility, wisdom, and dedication to his faith.

As the Catholic community in Benin City and beyond prepares to lay him to rest, his contributions to the Church and the nation will be remembered for years to come.