Former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, CFR, KSJI, has expressed profound grief over the death of the Metropolitan Archbishop of Benin City, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, describing his passing as a monumental loss to the Catholic Church in Nigeria and the nation at large.
Omo-Agege, in a statement, described the late Archbishop as “a shepherd of uncommon humility, courage, and conviction” whose life was wholly dedicated to the service of God, humanity, and nation-building.
He said the late prelate’s death had created a huge vacuum in both the Church and the country, noting that his exemplary leadership, moral courage and unwavering commitment to justice would be sorely missed.
Omo-Agege recalled that as President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Archbishop Akubeze spoke truth to power with wisdom, grace and sincerity, while his tenure as Metropolitan Archbishop of Benin City was defined by compassion, unity and an enduring commitment to peace, social justice and the common good.
According to him, the late cleric’s advocacy for good governance, quality education and the dignity of every human person resonated far beyond the pulpit, earning him widespread respect as a moral voice and beacon of hope during challenging times.
The former Deputy President of the Senate extended his heartfelt condolences, on behalf of his family, the people of Delta Central Senatorial District and his associates across Nigeria, to the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, the Catholic faithful, the government and people of Edo State, and the immediate family of the late Archbishop.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of Archbishop Akubeze’s soul and urged Nigerians to uphold the enduring values of faith, integrity, selfless service and compassion that defined his remarkable life and ministry.
Archbishop Akubeze died at the age of 69.
