Former Catholic Bishops’ Conference President Akubeze Dies at 69

July 10 () — The Catholic Church in Nigeria has announced 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, who passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at the age of 69.

The announcement was made in an official memorial statement issued by the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria and signed by its Secretary General, Rev. Fr. Michael A. Banjo, who described the late prelate as a devoted shepherd whose decades of faithful service left an enduring imprint on the Catholic Church in Nigeria.

According to the Secretariat, Archbishop Akubeze dedicated his priestly and episcopal ministry to the spiritual renewal of the Church and the holistic development of the faithful.

It noted that under his leadership, the Archdiocese of Benin City recorded significant spiritual and institutional growth, while he remained deeply committed to the welfare, formation, and pastoral development of priests.

The statement paid glowing tribute to his leadership at the national level, recalling his tenure as President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria from 2018 to 2022.

During the period, he emerged as one of the country’s most respected Catholic leaders, consistently speaking on issues of national importance, including good governance, justice, peace, security, and the protection of human dignity.

The Secretariat said Archbishop Akubeze’s ministry was guided by his episcopal motto, Ut Testimonium Perhibeam Veritati—”That I may bear witness to the Truth” (John 18:37), noting that his commitment to truth, humility, and faithful service defined his leadership and pastoral work.

It further described him as a compassionate pastor whose patient listening, generosity, and gentle disposition earned him the admiration and affection of bishops, priests, religious, and lay faithful across Nigeria.

According to the statement, Archbishop Akubeze believed that genuine authority within the Church was measured not by power or position but by service, a principle that shaped his approach to leadership throughout his episcopal ministry.

Born on August 25, 1956, Archbishop Akubeze was ordained a Catholic priest before being appointed Bishop of Uromi.

In 2011, he became the Metropolitan Archbishop of Benin City, where he provided pastoral leadership for more than a decade, overseeing the continued growth of the Archdiocese and strengthening evangelisation, priestly formation, and pastoral outreach across the Benin Ecclesiastical Province.

Beyond his responsibilities in Benin, he played a pivotal role in the affairs of the Catholic Church in Nigeria through his leadership of the CBCN.

His tenure was marked by consistent advocacy for moral leadership, national unity, religious harmony, and social justice, making him one of the most influential voices within the Nigerian Catholic hierarchy.

The Catholic Secretariat concluded its tribute with prayers for the repose of his soul, expressing confidence in Christ’s promise of eternal life and asking the Risen Lord to grant him everlasting rest.

Remembered for his unwavering commitment to truth, humility, pastoral care, and selfless service, Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze. leaves behind a lasting legacy that is expected to continue inspiring the Church and the wider society for generations to come.