The Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City has released the notification of death of her Archbishop, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze. He was a kind, generous and committed Shepherd who gave everything in service to God.
He was the Archbishop who ordained me and my classmates Deacons and Priests in 2011 and 2012.
We’re heartbroken. Please pray for the repose of his soul and pray for the Priests and faithful of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City. Find the official notification of death below:
CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF BENIN CITY
Thursday, July 9, 2026
NOTIFICATION OF DEATH
May the peace of Christ be with you.
On behalf of the Consultors of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, we announce with profound sorrow, yet with a firm hope in the resurrection the passing of our dearly beloved father and Archbishop, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, who was called home to the Lord on Thursday, July 9, 2026. He was ordained as a Catholic priest on October 3, 1987, appointed Bishop of Uromi on December 14, 2005 and consecrated on February 25, 2006. He was later appointed Archbishop of Benin City on March 18, 2011 and installed 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.
We commend his soul to the infinite mercy of God. May the Lord grant him a merciful judgement and eternal rest. May perpetual light shine upon him. Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may he rejoice in the presence of the Lord together with the saints and angels. May God grant comfort to the Archdiocese, his immediate and extended family members and all who morn him.
Funeral arrangements will be communicated later. Please continue to pray for the repose of his soul.
Yours sincerely in Christ,
(Signed)
Very Rev. Fr. Michael Oyanoafoh,
Chancellor,
Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City.
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May his gentle soul rest in peace. Amen