The late Archbishop of Archbishop of Benin Metropolitan See, Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze, transited in his sleep on Thursday July 9th 2026 after having a brief meeting with Clergies and close associates and retired to his apartment at about 9p.m, the previous day.
Undeniably, his younger sister whose identity remains undisclosed for security reasons, had prepared breakfast as usual and went to his room in the United States of America.
Consequently, there was darkness in the room where the 69-year Old Catholic Priest lodged, while the young lady, raised the alarm that attracted his close associates and the church authority.
When the door was forced open by security personnel who discovered his lifeless body on his bed, and his body was taken to hospital where he was confirmed dead by a Clinical doctor.
This revelation emerged during a special Mass in Honour of Augustine Obiora Akubeze was held at the Bishop Kelly Pastoral Centre in Benin City which was enveloped in grief and mourning.
TheNewspad reports that arrangement to fly his Akubeze who had proceeded on his vacation (terminal leave abroad, to be flown to Nigeria ahead of his funeral, would be announced soon by the church authority,
In the meantime, the Catholic Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, has appointed most Rev. Donatus Ogun, Bishop of Uromi, as Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Benin City, pending the appointment of a new Archbishop in Benin Metropolitan See.
Ogun’s ecclesiastical responsibility which is effective immediately, amid high expectation ahead of his first Mass on Sunday July 12, 2026 at the Bishop Kelly Catholic Church where Priests and the Laity in the largest religious organization are expected to attend.
The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki and the Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Osawuaru Igbinedion are among prominent Nigerians who have paid tribute to the departed Priest who was a former President of Catholic Bishops conference of Nigeria at one time.
