The Catholic Church in Nigeria has been thrown into mourning following the death of the Metropolitan Archbishop of Benin City, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, who passed away peacefully on Thursday evening at the age of 69.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City confirmed the sad development in an official statement issued on Thursday, July 9, 2026, and signed by its Chancellor, Very Rev. Fr. Michael Oyanoafoh.
The Archdiocese described the late Archbishop as a humble, faithful and fatherly shepherd whose life was devoted entirely to the service of God and humanity.
Born in 1956, Archbishop Akubeze was ordained a Catholic priest on October 3, 1987. He was appointed Bishop of Uromi on December 14, 2005, consecrated on February 25, 2006, and later elevated as the Metropolitan Archbishop of Benin City on March 18, 2011. He was formally installed on April 28, 2011.
Beyond the Benin Archdiocese, Archbishop Akubeze left an enduring mark on the Nigerian Catholic Church, serving as President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), where he became widely respected for his principled leadership, unwavering defence of truth and commitment to justice.
Paying tribute to the late prelate, the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria described him as “a unique Shepherd” who championed spiritual renewal while promoting the holistic development of God’s people. The Secretariat also commended his dedication to the formation and welfare of priests and his courageous witness to the Gospel throughout his episcopal ministry.
His episcopal motto, Ut Testimonium Perhibeam Veritati (“That I may bear witness to the Truth” – John 18:37), reflected a ministry defined by humility, compassion, integrity and selfless service. His calm disposition, deep spirituality and unwavering commitment to the Church earned him admiration across religious and national circles.
The Archdiocese has entrusted his soul to the infinite mercy of God and urged the faithful to pray for the peaceful repose of his soul.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City in due course.
Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze is survived by a grateful Church and countless faithful whose lives were touched by his decades of devoted ministry.
