…Donates 2 Toyota Coaster buses to Archdiocese
Edo State Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, has described the death of the late Archbishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Benin City, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, as a painful loss, while commending his contributions to the Catholic Church and humanity.
Governor Okpebholo spoke on Thursday at the funeral service for the late Archbishop at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Benin City, said the state had gathered to bid farewell to a cleric who devoted his life to serving God and the people entrusted to his care.
“We thank God for the gift of his life, his priestly ministry and his service to the Church and to God’s people,” he said.
According to the governor, Archbishop Akubeze carried out his calling with dedication, faith, courage and love for the people he served.
He recalled that he interacted with the late Archbishop a few days before he traveled saying Akubeze prayed for him and encouraged him during their meeting.
The governor also disclosed that his administration had approved the provision of two Toyota Coaster buses requested by the late Archbishop to facilitate transportation within the Archdiocese.
“Though we mourn his passing, we also give thanks for the legacy he leaves behind, the lives he touched, the people he encouraged and the work he did for the growth of the Church,” he said.
Governor Okpebholo prayed that God would grant the late archbishop eternal rest and receive him into His heavenly kingdom.
“May his memory remain a blessing to us all. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him,” the governor said.
He then prayed for the repose of the souls of all the faithful departed saying, “May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen,” he said
The governor also revealed that he had informed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu about the Archbishop’s death, saying the President was shocked by the news and described Akubeze as a man of very few words.
In his sermon, the Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, called on Nigerians, irrespective of their religion, ethnic background or place of origin, to embrace love, unity and peaceful coexistence.
Archbishop Kaigama urged Nigerians to reject divisions and learn to appreciate one another, stressing the need for greater love and understanding among citizens.
He also commended Governor Okpebholo for the love and respect he demonstrated towards the late Archbishop Akubeze, as well as his passion and commitment to the Catholic Church.
Kaigama described the governor’s relationship with the late Archbishop as an example that other leaders should emulate, particularly in recognising and supporting the role of the Church in society.
Akubeze died on July 9, 2026, at the age of 69. He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1987 and became Archbishop of Benin City in 2011.
He served as president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria from 2018 to 2022.
