Fr. Dr. Okhueleigbe Osemhantie Ãmos|July 31, 2026
The Catholic Church in Nigeria stands in solemn, reverent silence as tributes, tears, and profound elulogy pour across regional boundaries, episcopal sees, and state borders. From the rolling hills of the East to the expansive plateaus of the North, the nation’s capital, and the southwestern plains, voices unite to celebrate an extraordinary Successor of the Holy Apostles. The transition of the Metropolitan Archbishop of Benin City, Most Rev. Dr. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, has awakened a grand symphony of eulogies across the nation, honoring a patriarch whose life was a brilliant tell to grace, courage, and selfless devotion.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), speaking through its President, Most Rev. Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, Archbishop of Kaduna, the Conference captures the heroic character and deep spiritual reservoir of their former leader:
“Archbishop Akubeze was a man of extraordinary virtue: humble yet fearless, gentle yet unwavering in his commitment to truth and justice. He was, above all, a man of deep interior life, sustained by constant prayer and quiet reflection. His spiritual depth was the wellspring from which he drew the strength to labour selflessly for the flock entrusted to his care, often in the face of great challenges. He bore the weight of his sacred office with remarkable grace and pastoral charity, always grounded in his intimate communion with the Lord.”
“He bore a name that was fitting for a shepherd: “Obiora”, which in Igbo means “Heart of the people”. For Archbishop Obiora Akubeze, his name was not merely a label; it was a vocation, and he lived out its meaning in every dimension of his life and ministry.”
From the seat of national unity, Most Rev. Ignatius A. Kaigama, Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, shared his profound grief while commemorating his long-standing service:
“We recall with great joy his dedication to duty, commitment to the affairs of the Nigerian Church and the many lives he touched in the service of the universal Church. As President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, he distinguished himself not only as a loyal son of the Church, but also as a patriotic Nigerian who always worked for the common good, evident by his generosity to the less privileged and those who suffer injustice.”
From the Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta, Most Rev. Peter Kayode Odetoyinbo penned a soulful tribute highlighting his moral courage in challenging times:
“His life was marked by selfless sacrifice, courageous defence of the faith, and an unwavering witness to the Gospel. He poured out his life generously in the service of the Church and our nation. In a country often burdened by corruption, injustice, and uncertainty, his voice became a beacon of truth, peace, hope, and strength for God’s people. He was also a courageous President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria.”
Across the vast expanses of northern and central Nigeria, bishops joined in celebrating a monumental shepherd whose influence transcended diocesan borders.
Writing from the Catholic Diocese of Shendam, Most Rev. Philip Davou Dung recorded the decades of his episcopal journey:
“Ordained a Priest in 1987 in Issele Uku, he was appointed first Bishop of Uromi in 2005 and subsequently Archbishop of Benin City in 2011, Archbishop Akubeze served in the episcopate for twenty years, and for this, we remain grateful. As the past President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Akubeze served the Church with compassion and love.”
From the Catholic Diocese of Pankshin, Most Rev. Michael Gobal Gokum expressed deep grief over this monumental loss:
“Archbishop Akubeze was a faithful servant of God who served the people of God entrusted to his Pastoral care with fraternal love, tenderness, and unmatched zeal. He was an exceptionally outstanding shepherd who gave his all for the proclamation of the Gospel of Christ both within the Archdiocese and beyond. He was a kind, loving, zealous, and compassionate leader.”
Most Rev. Dr. David Ajang of the Catholic Diocese of Lafia extolled his unwavering advocacy for the downtrodden:
“Archbishop Akubeze’s earthly pilgrimage was defined by uncommon humility, visionary leadership, and resolute commitment to the gospel of Christ. As a former President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference (CBCN), he was a towering pillar of moral conscience and a courageous voice of truth, justice, and peace across the nation. He lived out his episcopal motto: “That I may bear witness to the Truth,” by tirelessly advocating for the poor, the vulnerable, and the holistic development of God’s people.”
Writing from the Catholic Diocese of Jalingo, Most Rev. Charles M. Hammawa noted the lasting legacy of his ministry:
“The late Archbishop, Most Rev. Augustine, devoted his life generously to the service of God and His Church, shepherding the people entrusted to his care with faith, humility, and pastoral love. His episcopal ministry and witness to the Gospel have left an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire generations.”
From the Catholic Diocese of Katsina-Ala, Most Rev. Isaac B. Dugu encapsulated his life with sacred scripture:
“Archbishop Akubeze served the Church with exemplary faith, humility, and dedication. As Archbishop of Benin City and former President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, he was a courageous shepherd and an inspiring witness to the Gospel. Truly, his life echoes the testimony of St. Paul: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).”
From the Eastern heartlands, the prelates offered elegant reflections on his refined character and homiletic gift.
Most Rev. John I. Okoye of the Catholic Diocese of Awgu wrote:
“The Church in Nigeria has lost a seasoned pastor, an exemplary shepherd, and a perfect gentleman whose episcopal ministry was marked by humility, wisdom, fidelity, and selfless service to the People of God. His dedicated leadership as President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) and his unwavering commitment to the mission of the Church will remain an enduring source of inspiration.”
Concluding with deep personal gratitude, Most Rev. Michael Kalu Ukpong of the Diocese of Umuahia stated:
“Those who had the privilege of encountering you came to the same conclusion of having met a man of deep recollection, humble of heart and disarming simplicity. Yet, you were a man of great intelligence who penetrated every sphere of episcopal administration with an uncommon touch.”
“Your Grace, Archbishop Augustine Akubeze, as your mortal body is committed to Mother Earth today amidst pain, tears, sorrow, and confusion, yet with faith in the resurrection of the dead, I would like to thank you for the beautiful and well-crafted homilies you preached to win souls for Our Saviour Jesus Christ.”
From Abuja to Abeokuta, Jalingo to Umuahia, and Katsina-Ala to Benin City, Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze lived truly as the “Heart of the people.” His life was an exquisite blend of great courage, sublime gentleness, and administrative excellence. Though he has laid down his pastoral staff, the fragrance of his virtues will echo across the annals of the Church in Nigeria for generations to come.
May rewards be greater than his labours.
Fr. Dr. Okhueleigbe Osemhantie Ãmos
Priest of the Catholic Diocese of Uromi & Lecturer at CIWA, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
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