Just one month before he was set to retire, Most Rev. Fr. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, the Catholic Archbishop of Benin, passed away.
While on vacation overseas, he reportedly passed away while sleeping.
On August 25, he would have turned 70, marking his retirement in accordance with Catholic doctrine.
A statement by the Chancellor of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, Very Rev. Fr. Michael Oyanoafoh, titled “Notification of Death” officially announced the death of Akubeze “with profound sorrow, yet with a firm hope in the resurrection.”
“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.”
He said the funeral arrangements would be communicated later.
Also, a statement by the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, signed by its Secretary General, Rev. Fr. Michael A. Banjo, said the Church has already taken the incident as the will of God.
Part of the statement said, “Archbishop Akubeze was a unique shepherd who understood that the true development of the Church embraces both spiritual renewal and the holistic growth of God’s people.
“Under his care, the Archdiocese of Benin City has witnessed significant developmental strides. He was deeply committed to the welfare of his Priests with the conviction that the future of the Church depended on well-formed Shepherds.
“As an erstwhile President of the Bishops Conference of Nigeria, he firmly stood as a pillar of orthodox truth. His voice did not tickle ears but fed souls bringing to light his episcopal motto ‘Ut Testimonium perhibeam veritati’ (Jn. 18:37) which means ‘That I may bear witness to the Truth’.
“His patient listening and selfless generosity embodied a compassionate Shepherd who knew the smell of his flock. He demonstrated always by his gentleness and quiet disposition that genuine authority in the Church is not measured by power but by service and this was a result of his deep level of spirituality.”
May his soul rest in perfect peace…..
Live with Purpose, Love with Passion. Remember to be happy
One ❤️❤️❤️
Rose Ajieh
