Nigerian archbishop dies at age 69
The former president of Nigeria's bishops' conference was remembered for his humility, deep spirituality, and years of pastoral leadership.
Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze of Benin City, Nigeria, died July 9 at age 69, the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria announced.
Archbishop Akubeze, who lived a “simple and humble” life, served the archdiocese since 2011, according to the Nigeria Catholic Network (NCN). His cause of death has not been confirmed.
According to the NCN, the archdiocese announced with “profound sorrow” that the archbishop had been "called home to the Lord,” adding that funeral arrangements would later be announced.
Father Michael Ayanleke Banjo, Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, reflected on the archbishop’s ministry in a July 9 announcement, describing him as a “compassionate shepherd."
“He demonstrated, always by his gentleness and quiet disposition,” Father Banjo wrote, “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.”
Archbishop Akubeze served as the chairman of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria from 2018 to 2022. His episcopal motto was “"Ut Testimonium perhibeam veritati" or “that I may bear witness to the Truth.”
