Paul Okojie

The Catholic Archdiocese of Benin on Wednesday held a vigil Mass in honour of the late Archbishop of the Benin Metropolitan See, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, with clergy, parishioners and dignitaries gathering at the Holy Cross Cathedral, Benin City, to celebrate his life and service to the Church and society.

The vigil was attended by Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo; Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor; and other government, religious and community leaders.

The cathedral was filled to capacity as parishioners from the 105 parishes across the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin gathered to pay their respects and reflect on the legacy of the late Archbishop.

Delivering the homily titled “Soul Reassuring,” the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, described Archbishop Akubeze as a distinguished church leader whose qualities, service and contributions would remain memorable to the Church and the wider society.

Martins urged Christians to confront the reality of death and live with the consciousness of their ultimate encounter with God.

He encouraged the faithful to use the occasion of the vigil to examine their lives, reflect on their mortality and consider their preparedness for death.

The Archbishop also challenged political office holders and other leaders to make responsible use of the resources entrusted to them to improve the lives of the people, stressing that earthly achievements ultimately have no value beyond life.

Among those who attended the vigil were the APC Deputy State Chairman in Edo State, Sylvester Aigboboh; APC Edo Central Senatorial leader, Gen. Cecil Esekaigbe; Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Matters and Chaplain of the Government House Chapel, Apostle Sule Farade; and former Edo State Governor, Chief John Odigie Oyegun.

The funeral programme continues today, Thursday, August 13, with a funeral Mass at St. Paul Catholic Church, Airport Road, Benin City.