As the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin releases the programme for the funeral events of its late Archbishop, the lay faithful and all men of goodwill have continued to mourn a man most describe as not only spiritual father but a Chief Shepherd who would stop at nothing to ensure that he led his flock in the right direction in the best way possible and as directed by God, his maker. I got to Benin Wednesday 8th July and decided to stay at the Bishop Kelly Pastoral Centre on Airport Road which provides us with opportunity for daily morning, midday or morning Mass because St. Paul’s is next door.
The following day, 9th July, news came of the death of Archbishop Augustine Akubeze whose chancery and residence are just next door to the centre. It was mourning all over because he was a well-loved prelate who assumed office as Catholic Archbishop of Benin in 2011 following the retirement of Archbishop Patrick Ekpu. Prior to Benin, Akubeze was Bishop of Uromi Diocese. He had marked his 20 years as bishop in April and would have been 70 next month, which would have also marked his retirement as Archbishop.
Augustine Obiora Akubeze was ordained in 1987, and he served as the pioneer Bishop of Uromi from 2005 to 2011.
Born in Kaduna on August 25, 1956, Archbishop Akubeze was known to have dedicated his life to spiritual renewal, holistic development of the faithful, and the welfare of priests. His episcopal motto, “Ut Testimonium perhibeam veritati” translated to, “That I may bear witness to the Truth,” and it defined his outspoken and steadfast leadership in defending orthodox Catholic teachings.
He was pioneer Bishop of Uromi Diocese, having been appointed in 2005 and consecrated in February 2006. He was installed Archbishop of Benin City in April 2011. He served as Vice-President and later President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) between 2018 and 2022. He also served as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Warri from 2022 to 2023.
His sudden passing has left the Catholic community in Edo State and across Nigeria in deep mourning. The man he took over from as Archbishop of Benin, Most Rev Patrick Ekpu died just two years ago after he had retired for several years. Ekpu himself took over from Bishop Patrick Joseph Kelly, SMA, who retired in 1973. The death of Akubeze is therefore uncharted territory for Catholics of Benin Archdiocese as none of their previous bishops had died in office.
After Bishop Kelly had resigned, Bishop Ekpu succeeded him on 5th July 1973 as Bishop of Benin City. When Benin was elevated to an Archdiocese, on 26th March 1994, his title was changed to Archbishop of Benin City.
On 21st November 2006, Pope Benedict XVI granted Ekpu’s resignation application. That was when it became necessary for a successor and as stated, Ekpu died on 6th August 2024, at the age of 92.
Following the death of Archbishop Akubeze, the Vatican has quickly moved to avoid a vacuum by appointing Bishop Donatus Ogun of Uromi Diocese as Apostolic Administrator of Benin Archdiocese pending the installation of a new Archbishop.
In an official circular dated July 10, 2026, the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Most Rev. Michael F. Crotty, announced that, with the approval of Pope Leo, the Dicastery for Evangelisation has appointed Most Rev. Ogun, as the Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese. It is hoped that a smooth transition will be made towards the installation of a new Archbishop to be appointed by the Holy See.
Many tributes have continued to pour in for Archbishop Akubeze and he has been described as a very humble and humane prelate who provided assistance and care not only to the faithful of the Archdiocese but to all those in need of charitable succor, no matter their faith, tribe and leanings. He will definitely be sorely missed throughout the Church. May his dear soul find rest.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City has officially announced the funeral rites for the late Archbishop, scheduling his burial for Thursday, August 13, 2026.
According to a circular dated July 28, 2026, issued by the Chancellor of the Archdiocese, Very Rev. Fr. Michael Oyanoafoh, on the directive of the Apostolic Administrator, Most Rev. Donatus A. Ogun, OSA, the funeral arrangements will commence with a Vigil Mass.
The schedule of events is as follows:
- Vigil Mass: Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at Holy Cross Cathedral, Mission Road, Benin City, beginning at 5:00 PM.
- Funeral Mass: Thursday, August 13, 2026, at St. Paul Catholic Church, Airport Road, Benin City, starting at 10:00 AM.
The Chancellor urged the Catholic faithful and the general public to continue to pray for the eternal repose of the late Archbishop’s soul as the Archdiocese prepares for the funeral ceremonies.
