According to reports, Monsignor Thomas Oleghe, the oldest Catholic Reverend Father in Nigeria, passed away at the age of 104.
According to a statement from Bishop Gabriel G. Dunia of Auchi Diocese in Edo State, Oleghe passed away at around 2:30 in the morning.
“Peace be with you,” Dunia wrote in a message addressed to Your Eminences, Your Graces, Your Lordships, Rev Fathers, and Beloved people of God.
“With gratitude to God for a life well lived on earth I hereby inform you of the passage of the Rt. Rev. MSGR Thomas Oleghe the oldest Catholic priest in Nigeria as at today, to the great beyond at about 2.30am this morning on the 24th of November, 2024.
“He is of the Diocese of Auchi. He died at the age of 104. May his lovely and gentle soul continue to rest in perfect peace. Amen.
“We have resolved to celebrate his funeral on Wednesday, the 27th of November, 2024.”
Oleghe left his imprint in a number of parishes throughout his tenure, including the St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Igarra, Akoko-Edo local government, where he implemented drastic changes that set the groundwork for the church’s current illustrious standing.