Peter Obi arrives Edo for Archbishop Akubeze’s funeral rites

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress in the 2027 election, has arrived in Edo State to participate in the funeral ceremonies for the late Archbishop Augustine Akubeze.

Obi's arrival was documented in a video shared by his campaign photographer and media aide, Esther Umoh. The footage shows the former Anambra State governor surrounded by a significant crowd and security personnel as he entered the Holy Cross Cathedral in Benin City for the service of songs.

"Peter Obi in Edo State for the service of songs of Late Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze," Umoh captioned the video. The Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City announced a period of Masses and prayers in honor of Archbishop Akubeze, who died on July 9, 2026, at the age of 69.

The funeral program includes a vigil Mass at the Holy Cross Cathedral on Wednesday, followed by overnight Masses. Thursday will feature a lying-in-state at St. Paul Catholic Church, Airport Road, Benin City, from 7:00 am to 8:45 am, followed by the Office for the Dead and the Funeral Mass. The archdiocese remembered Akubeze as a humble and dedicated servant of God.