The Catholic Church in Nigeria has been thrown into mourning following the death of the Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Benin City, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, who died on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at the age of 69.
His passing was announced in a statement issued by the Chancellor of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, Very Rev. Fr. Michael Oyanoafoh, who said the Archdiocese received the news “with profound sorrow, yet with a firm hope in the resurrection.”
Describing the late prelate as a devoted servant of God, the Archdiocese paid tribute to his humility, compassion and unwavering commitment to the Church.
“Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze lived a very simple and humble life in faith and obedience to the will of God. He impacted the lives of so many people. He was a complete gentleman and a father to us all,” the statement said.
The Archdiocese commended his soul to God’s mercy and called on Catholics and people of goodwill to pray for the peaceful repose of his soul, while also remembering the Archdiocese, his family and all those grieving his death.
Born on August 25, 1956, Archbishop Akubeze was ordained a Catholic priest on October 3, 1987, for the Diocese of Issele-Uku.
Pope Benedict XVI appointed him Bishop of Uromi on December 14, 2005, and he was consecrated bishop on February 25, 2006.
He was later appointed Archbishop of Benin City on March 18, 2011, before his installation on April 28, 2011.
Beyond his pastoral responsibilities in Benin City, Archbishop Akubeze emerged as one of the most influential voices in the Catholic Church in Nigeria.
He served as President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) from 2018 to 2022, consistently speaking on issues of justice, good governance, national unity, security and the protection of human dignity.
His tenure as CBCN President was marked by repeated appeals for ethical leadership, peaceful coexistence and policies that promoted the common good, earning him respect across religious and civic circles.
The Archdiocese said details of his funeral rites would be communicated at a later date.
