The Catholic Church in Nigeria has announced the death of the Archbishop of Benin City, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, who passed away at the age of 69.
The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria confirmed that Archbishop Akubeze was called to eternal rest on Thursday, July 9, 2026, after decades of dedicated priestly ministry and service to the Church.
Born in 1956, Archbishop Akubeze was ordained a Catholic priest on October 3, 1987, beginning a journey that would see him rise through several important leadership positions within the Church.
He was appointed the pioneer Bishop of Uromi on December 14, 2005, and was consecrated on February 25, 2006.
In 2011, he was appointed Archbishop of Benin City on March 18 and formally installed on April 28 of the same year.
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Archbishop Akubeze also served as President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, where he contributed to the leadership and direction of the Catholic Church across the country.
In a statement announcing his passing, the Catholic Secretariat described him as a humble and gentle leader who dedicated his life to spiritual growth, institutional development, and the welfare of priests and faithful under his care.
The Church said Archbishop Akubeze remained committed to his episcopal motto, “Ut Testimonium perhibeam veritati”, meaning “That I may bear witness to the Truth.”
He was remembered for his commitment to strengthening the Church, promoting spiritual renewal, and supporting the communities he served throughout his ministry.
The Catholic Secretariat commended his soul to the mercy of God and prayed for eternal rest, adding that funeral arrangements would be announced by the Archdiocese of Benin City at a later date.