Archbishop Akubeze Laid to Rest in Benin as Catholic Leaders, Okpebholo, Obi Pay Final Tribute

BENIN CITY — The remains of former Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, have been laid to rest in Benin City, bringing to a close the funeral ceremonies for one of Nigeria’s prominent Catholic clerics.

The funeral Mass was held at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Airport Road, Benin City, on Thursday, with Catholic leaders, government officials, politicians, family members and faithful from across Nigeria in attendance.

Among those who attended the ceremony were Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, former Anambra State governor and presidential candidate Peter Obi, Catholic Cardinals, serving Archbishops and more than 40 Bishops.

The large gathering reflected the national influence of Archbishop Akubeze, who served both the Catholic Church in Benin and the wider Nigerian Catholic community.

Kaigama calls for unity, peaceful coexistence

Delivering the homily, the Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, used the occasion to call on Nigerians to reject division and intolerance.

Kaigama urged Nigerians across religious, ethnic and geographical lines to embrace love, understanding and peaceful coexistence.

He said the late Archbishop Akubeze’s life offered an example of service, compassion and commitment to the common good.

The Abuja Archbishop also described Akubeze as a cleric who made important contributions to the Catholic Church and Nigerian society.

He urged the faithful to continue promoting the values of unity, service and compassion associated with the late Archbishop.

Okpebholo mourns Akubeze

Governor Monday Okpebholo described the death of Archbishop Akubeze as a painful loss to the Catholic Church, Edo State and humanity.

The governor praised the late cleric for his years of service and dedication to the Church.

“We thank God for the gift of his life, his priestly ministry and his service to the Church and to God’s people,” Okpebholo said.

He added that Akubeze carried out his calling with dedication, faith, courage and love for the people he served.

Akubeze remembered for Church leadership

Archbishop Akubeze was remembered during the funeral for his years of pastoral leadership and his contribution to the growth of the Catholic Church.

He also served as President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, giving him a prominent role in the affairs of the Catholic Church in the country.

Beyond his ecclesiastical responsibilities, the late Archbishop was known for his advocacy for peace, unity and responsible leadership.

His death therefore attracted tributes from Catholic leaders, political figures and members of the wider Nigerian public.

Final resting place at Holy Cross Cathedral

Following the funeral Mass at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, the remains of Archbishop Akubeze were taken to the Mausoleum at Holy Cross Cathedral in Benin City.

He was subsequently interred at the cathedral, where Catholic faithful and dignitaries gathered to bid him a final farewell.

The burial brought to an end days of mourning and tributes following his death on July 9, 2026, at the age of 69.

For the Catholic community in Edo State and across Nigeria, the burial marked the final chapter in the earthly journey of a cleric whose years of service extended beyond the pulpit into the wider society.