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Catholic Archbishop of Benin dies one month before retirement
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Culture & Society

Catholic Archbishop of Benin dies one month before retirement

From Vanguard · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Catholic Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze of Benin City has died in his sleep while on vacation abroad.
  • He was scheduled to retire on August 25, when he would have turned 70, in line with Catholic Church doctrine.
  • Akubeze was ordained in 1987, appointed Bishop of Uromi in 2005, and became Archbishop of Benin City in 2011.

Catholic Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze of Benin City has died just one month before his planned retirement. He passed away in his sleep while on vacation abroad. His 70th birthday on August 25 would have also marked his retirement, following the Catholic Church's doctrine.

with profound sorrow, yet with a firm hope in the resurrection.

— Very Rev. Fr. Michael OyanoafohChancellor of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, announcing the death.

The Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City officially announced his death with "profound sorrow, yet with a firm hope in the resurrection." Archbishop Akubeze was ordained a priest on October 3, 1987. He later became Bishop of Uromi on December 14, 2005, and was consecrated on February 25, 2006. His appointment as Archbishop of Benin City came on March 18, 2011, with his installation on April 28, 2011.

Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze lived a very simple and humble life in faith and obedience to the will of God. He impacted on the lives of so many people. He was a complete gentleman and a father to us all.

— Very Rev. Fr. Michael OyanoafohDescribing the late Archbishop's character and impact.

Described as a gentleman and father figure, Archbishop Akubeze lived a simple, humble life dedicated to faith and obedience. He significantly impacted many lives. The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria noted his commitment to both spiritual renewal and the holistic growth of God's people. Under his leadership, the Archdiocese of Benin City saw considerable development. He was also deeply devoted to the welfare of his priests, believing the Church's future depended on well-formed shepherds.

We commend his soul to the infinite mercy of God. May the Lord grant him a merciful judgement and eternal rest.

— Very Rev. Fr. Michael OyanoafohOffering prayers for the deceased Archbishop.

As a former President of the Bishops' Conference of Nigeria, he was a steadfast advocate for orthodox truth. His episcopal motto, "Ut Testimonium perhibeam veritati" (Jn. 18:37), meaning "That I may bear witness to the Truth," guided his actions. His gentle demeanor and quiet disposition exemplified that true authority in the Church stems from service, a reflection of his profound spirituality.

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.

— Rev. Fr. Michael A. BanjoSecretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, reflecting on Akubeze's leadership.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Vanguard. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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