…as Obaseki extols virtues of the late clergyman
The Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City has announced the burial dates for the late Emeritus Archbishop Patrick Ebosele Ekpu.
According to the Archdiocese, the late Emeritus Archbishop will be buried on Thursday, August 22, 2024, after a 10 am funeral Mass at Holy Cross Cathedral, Mission Road, Benin City.
The funeral Mass will be preceded by a Vigil Mass at 5pm on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at Holy Cross Cathedral, Mission Road, Benin City.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has extolled the exemplary virtues of the late Emeritus Archbishop, hailing his contributions to the development of the State’s education sector.
Obaseki, who led a delegation of government officials on a condolence visit to the Archbishop of Benin Catholic Archdiocese, Archbishop Augustine Akubeze, in Benin City, the Edo State capital, described the late emeritus archbishop as a lover of education and great ambassador of the Catholic faith.
The governor was accompanied on the visit by the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku; Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Maria Edeko, and other members of the Assembly; Secretary to the State Government, Joseph Eboigbe; serving Commissioners and heads of Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs), among others.
Obaseki stated, “We are here to pay condolence to you and the Catholic community in the State on the passing of our late father, His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Patrick Ebosele Ekpu, the Archbishop of Metropolitan See of Benin City.
“He was the Bishop we knew growing up in Edo. He was a father to us all. What stood him out and will always be remembered for was his interest and love for education and how he made the Catholic Church the proprietor of choices in terms of the way he rebuilt the Catholic schools.
“He has worked so hard in the vineyard of God. We thank God for his life and we are here to commiserate with you and thank God he was able to make a difference in his lifetime in our society and life.”
He added, “We celebrate his achievements and even though we will miss him, we will always remember the good he did for us in the State and the Catholic community and mankind.”
In his response, Archbishop Akubeze thanked the governor for the visit, reassuring him of the continued prayers of the church for the success of his administration.
Archbishop Emeritus Patrick Ebosele Ekpu, a towering figure in the Nigerian Catholic Church, was born on October 26, 1931, in Uzairue, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State. His life was marked by a deep commitment to faith, education, and social justice, which left a lasting impact on both the Church and the broader society.
Archbishop Ekpu began his journey toward the priesthood at St. Paul’s Minor Seminary in Benin City, where he received his early religious education. His dedication to his calling led him to further studies at the prestigious Pontifical Urban University in Rome, where he earned degrees in Philosophy and Theology, preparing him for a life of service in the Church.
He was ordained a priest on December 20, 1959, by Bishop Patrick J. Kelly. His early ministry was characterized by a strong dedication to pastoral care and education, serving in various roles that highlighted his commitment to the spiritual and social development of his community.
In 1971, at the age of 39, Patrick Ekpu was appointed as the first indigenous Bishop of Benin City by Pope Paul VI. His consecration on March 21, 1971, marked the beginning of a transformative period for the Diocese, which he later shepherded as an Archdiocese when it was elevated in 1994. Archbishop Ekpu was instrumental in expanding the Church’s outreach, establishing new parishes, and revitalizing Catholic schools, making them centers of excellence in both education and moral instruction.
Archbishop Ekpu was also a vocal advocate for social justice, using his position to address issues of corruption, inequality, and the rights of the marginalized. His leadership extended beyond the Catholic community, as he actively promoted interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence among different religious and ethnic groups in Edo State and beyond.
After decades of devoted service, Archbishop Ekpu retired in 2006. His influence, however, continued to be felt throughout the Church and the communities he served. He passed away on August 6, 2024, at the age of 92, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, and commitment to education and social justice.
Archbishop Emeritus Patrick Ekpu is remembered not only as a spiritual leader but also as a father figure to many, whose life and work continue to inspire generations of faithful and leaders in Nigeria and beyond.
