Davidson Ogbebor

Benin City-Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has described the death of the late Archbishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Benin City, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, as a painful loss, while commending his contributions to the Catholic Church and humanity.

The governor spoke on Thursday at the funeral Mass for the late Archbishop held at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Benin City, where he joined Catholic faithful, government officials and other dignitaries to bid farewell to the cleric.

Okpebholo said the state was gathered to honour a priest who devoted his life to serving God and humanity, describing Archbishop Akubeze’s ministry as one marked by dedication, faith, courage and love for the people entrusted to his care.

“We thank God for the gift of his life, his priestly ministry and his service to the Church and to God’s people,” the governor said.

Recalling his last interaction with the late Archbishop shortly before his departure, Okpebholo said Akubeze had prayed for him and offered words of encouragement during their meeting.

The governor also disclosed that his administration had approved the provision of two Toyota Coaster buses requested by the late Archbishop to facilitate transportation within the Archdiocese.

“Though we mourn his passing, we also give thanks for the legacy he leaves behind, the lives he touched, the people he encouraged and the work he did for the growth of the Church,” he said.

Okpebholo prayed for the repose of the Archbishop’s soul, asking God to grant him eternal rest and receive him into His heavenly kingdom.

“May his memory remain a blessing to us all. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him,” he said.

The governor further disclosed that he had informed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the Archbishop’s death, adding that the President was shocked by the news and described Akubeze as a man of very few words.

Kaigama Urges Nigerians to Embrace Unity

In his homily, the Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, urged Nigerians, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or place of origin, to embrace love, unity and peaceful coexistence.

Kaigama called on citizens to reject division and learn to appreciate one another, stressing that greater love and understanding were necessary for the country to overcome its challenges.

The Abuja Archbishop also commended Governor Okpebholo for the respect and affection he demonstrated towards the late Archbishop Akubeze, as well as his support for the Catholic Church.

He described the relationship between the governor and the late Archbishop as an example worthy of emulation by other leaders, particularly in recognising the role of the Church in promoting peace and contributing to the development of society.

Archbishop Akubeze died on July 9, 2026, at the age of 69. He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1987 and appointed Archbishop of Benin City in 2011.

He served as President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria from 2018 to 2022.