Catholic Church Mourns As Archbishop Akubeze Dies At 69
The Nigerian Catholic community has been thrown into mourning following the death of the Metropolitan Archbishop of Benin City, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, a respected cleric whose decades of ministry were marked by service, humility and commitment to the Church.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City announced that Archbishop Akubeze died on Thursday, 9 July 2026, at the age of 69.
His death was also confirmed by the Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat.
Born in 1956, Akubeze was ordained a Catholic priest on 3 October 1987 and appointed pioneer Bishop of Uromi on 14 December 2005. He was consecrated on 25 February 2006.
He was later appointed Archbishop of Benin City on 18 March 2011 and installed on 28 April of the same year. He also served as President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria.
Throughout his ministry, Archbishop Akubeze was guided by his episcopal motto, “Ut Testimonium perhibeam veritati” — “That I may bear witness to the Truth.”
He is remembered for his humility and commitment to spiritual renewal, structural development, the welfare of priests and the well-being of the faithful.
The Church has commended his soul to the mercy of God, while funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the Archdiocese at a later date.
Follow the Savinews Africa channel on WhatsApp:https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VawgaEL5vKA9Y5XTFg0n