Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Ede Dafinone, has expressed deep condolences to the Catholic Diocese of Warri following the death of Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Mario Ozele, Episcopal Vicar of the Ughelli Pastoral Region and Parish Priest of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ughelli.
Fr. Ozele, aged 60, passed away in the early hours of Tuesday, September 15, 2026, after an illness, according to an announcement by the Catholic Diocese of Warri.
In a condolence message, Dafinone described the death of the priest as a painful loss to the Catholic Church, his parishioners and the wider Delta State community that benefited from his ministry and counsel.
“I am deeply saddened by the death of Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Mario Ozele, Episcopal Vicar of the Ughelli Pastoral Region and Parish Priest of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ughelli,” Dafinone said.
The Senator said Fr. Ozele was a committed priest who devoted his life to the service of the Church and the spiritual and social wellbeing of his flock.
He noted that the late priest’s years of pastoral service and leadership had touched numerous lives, adding that his absence would be deeply felt by the Catholic faithful, fellow priests and the wider community.
Dafinone extended his heartfelt condolences to the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Warri, Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, the clergy, religious leaders, parishioners and the entire Catholic community over the loss.
He also commiserated with Fr. Ozele’s immediate family, friends and all those mourning his passing.
“While words may not adequately express the depth of this loss, I urge the Catholic faithful to draw comfort from the life of dedicated service that Fr. Ozele lived and the many lives he touched during his priestly ministry,” he stated.
The Delta Central Senator prayed that Almighty God would grant the late priest eternal rest and give the Diocese, his family, parishioners, colleagues and friends the strength to bear the loss.
Dafinone further expressed hope that Fr. Ozele’s legacy would continue to inspire faith, service and compassion among those who knew him.
“May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen,” he prayed.
The Catholic Diocese of Warri is expected to announce funeral arrangements for the late priest in due course.
