Senator representing Edo South Senatorial District and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, Senator Neda Bernards Imasuen, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Metropolitan Archbishop of Benin City, Most Rev. Augustine Akubeze, describing his passing as a monumental loss to the Catholic Church, Edo State and Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Friday, Senator Imasuen said he received the news of the Archbishop’s passing with profound sadness, noting that the revered cleric’s transition on Thursday evening had thrown the Catholic faithful and the nation into mourning.
The senator paid glowing tribute to the late Archbishop, describing him as a distinguished shepherd of God’s flock and an unwavering voice for truth, justice, peace and national unity.
According to him, Archbishop Akubeze remained steadfast throughout his priestly and episcopal ministry in proclaiming the Gospel, defending the dignity of the human person and promoting harmony across religious and ethnic divides.
He said the late prelate’s humility, wisdom and moral courage earned him widespread admiration, adding that his lifelong dedication to serving God and humanity inspired countless faithful while bringing hope to the hopeless through exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to righteousness.
Senator Imasuen noted that although Archbishop Akubeze’s death at the age of 69 was painful, his enduring legacy of faith, compassion and selfless service would continue to inspire generations.
On behalf of his family and the people of Edo South Senatorial District, the lawmaker extended heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, the Catholic Church in Edo State, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, the clergy, religious and lay faithful, as well as the immediate family of the late Archbishop.
Drawing strength from the Holy Scriptures, Senator Imasuen prayed that God would comfort the bereaved, quoting John 11:25–26, where Jesus said: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.”
He prayed that the promise of eternal life would strengthen Archbishop Akubeze’s immediate family and the entire Catholic Church in Edo State during this period of grief.
The senator also prayed for the peaceful repose of the late Archbishop’s soul, saying, “May Almighty God grant the soul of Most Rev. Augustine Akubeze eternal rest, and may perpetual light shine upon him. Amen.”
