Former President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria and Metropolitan Archbishop of Benin City, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, has died at the age of 69.
His death was announced on Thursday by the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, which said the cleric passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2026.
In a statement signed by the Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Fr. Michael Banjo, the Church said Archbishop Akubeze was called to eternal rest with “hope in the resurrection and complete resignation to the will of God.”
“With hope in the resurrection and complete resignation to the will of God, we announce the passing of Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Benin City, who was called to eternal rest on Thursday, 9 July 2026 at the age of 69,” the statement read.
The Catholic Secretariat described the late archbishop as a devoted shepherd whose ministry was marked by deep commitment to the spiritual and human development of the faithful.
According to the Secretariat, Archbishop Akubeze’s episcopal leadership transformed the Archdiocese of Benin City through sustained pastoral care, developmental initiatives and concern for the holistic growth of the people of God.
“Archbishop Akubeze was a unique Shepherd who understood that the true development of the Church embraces both spiritual renewal and the holistic growth of God’s people,” the statement added.
The Church said the late cleric remained deeply committed to the welfare and formation of priests, believing that the future of the Church depended on well-trained shepherds.
Reflecting on his national leadership, the Catholic Secretariat noted that, as a former President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Akubeze stood firmly in defence of the teachings of the Church.
“As an erstwhile President of the Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, he firmly stood as a pillar of orthodox truth. His voice did not tickle ears but fed souls, bringing to light his episcopal motto, ‘Ut Testimonium perhibeam veritati’ (Jn. 18:37), which means ‘That I may bear witness to the Truth,’” the statement said.
The Secretariat further described him as a compassionate and humble leader whose ministry reflected service rather than power.
“His patient listening and selfless generosity embodied a compassionate Shepherd who knew the smell of his flock. He demonstrated always by his gentleness and quiet disposition that genuine authority in the Church is not measured by power but by service, and this was a result of his deep level of spirituality,” it added.
The Catholic Secretariat prayed for the repose of his soul, asking God to grant him eternal rest.
“May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace and may the Risen Lord who conquered death grant him eternal life in His kingdom. Amen,” the statement concluded.