Archbishop Augustine Akubeze honored at funeral in Benin City

Funeral rites were held in Benin City for the late Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze, the former President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria. Akubeze, who served the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, passed away suddenly in Atlanta, United States, on July 9 at the age of 69.

Prominent figures attended the ceremonies, including Pope Leo XIV via a message from the Vatican, Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, and Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo. Political leader Peter Obi also attended the funeral services, paying tribute to the late cleric’s life of sacrifice and dedication to humanity.

During the services, Archbishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama described Akubeze as a “humble gentleman” and a seasoned administrator. Governor Okpebholo noted the loss as painful and announced that his administration had approved the provision of two buses to facilitate transportation within the Archdiocese in honor of the late Archbishop’s request.