NEWS
Former Catholic Bishops’ Conference President, Archbishop Augustine Akubeze Dies
Former Catholic Bishops’ Conference President, Archbishop Augustine Akubeze Dies
The Catholic Church in Nigeria has been thrown into mourning following the death of the Metropolitan Archbishop of Benin City and former President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze.
His passing was officially announced on Thursday by the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, bringing an end to the earthly journey of one of the country’s most respected Catholic clerics, whose years of dedicated pastoral service left a lasting impact on the Church and society.
In a statement shared on its official Facebook page, the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria called on Catholics across the country and all people of goodwill to join in prayers for the peaceful repose of the late Archbishop’s soul.
“In total surrender to God’s will and in the sure hope of the Resurrection, the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria invites all the faithful and people of goodwill to unite in prayer for the eternal repose of the soul of Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, Metropolitan Archbishop of Benin City and former President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria,” the statement read.
The Secretariat further offered prayers for the deceased prelate, stating: “May the Lord, in His infinite mercy, grant him everlasting rest. And may his soul, together with the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”
Archbishop Akubeze was widely admired for his unwavering commitment to the Catholic faith, his pastoral leadership, and his contributions to the spiritual growth of the Church in Nigeria. During his tenure as President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, he played a significant role in addressing national issues, promoting peace, justice, and good governance, while consistently advocating for unity and moral values.
His death marks the loss of a highly respected church leader whose voice and leadership commanded admiration within the Catholic community and beyond.
The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria did not disclose the cause of Archbishop Akubeze’s death and also withheld details regarding his funeral arrangements.
As tributes begin to pour in from across Nigeria and beyond, the Catholic faithful continue to pray for the eternal repose of the late Archbishop, remembering his life of devoted service to God, the Church, and humanity.


