The Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, has urged Nigerians to put aside religious, ethnic and geographical differences and embrace love, unity and peaceful coexistence as Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze was laid to rest in Benin.
Funeral mass for the the former Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze.
The remains of the former Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, have been laid to rest following a funeral Mass at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Airport Road, Benin City, Edo State.
The solemn ceremony was attended by members of the late Archbishop’s family, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi, Catholic faithful, Cardinals, serving Catholic Archbishops in Nigeria and more than 40 Bishops, among other dignitaries.
In his homily, the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, called on Nigerians, irrespective of their religious, ethnic or geographical backgrounds, to embrace love, unity and peaceful coexistence.
Kaigama urged citizens to reject division and intolerance, stressing the need for Nigerians to appreciate one another and promote greater understanding, love and peace in the country.
He described the late Archbishop Akubeze as a man who made significant contributions to the Catholic Church and society, urging the faithful to uphold the values of service, compassion and unity which he represented.
The funeral also featured goodwill messages and tributes in honour of the late Archbishop, with Governor Okpebholo and other Catholic leaders paying glowing tributes to his life and contributions to the Church and society.
Governor Okpebholo described the death of the late Archbishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Benin City as a painful loss, while commending his contributions to the Catholic Church and humanity.
“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.
The late Archbishop Akubeze, who was a former President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, was remembered for his pastoral leadership, commitment to the growth of the Catholic Church and advocacy for peace and unity.
At the conclusion of the funeral Mass, the body was taken to the Mausoleum at the Holy Cross Cathedral, Benin City, where he was interred.
The ceremony brought together Catholic leaders, political figures, family members and faithful from across the country to bid farewell to one of Nigeria’s prominent Catholic clerics.
Archbishop Akubeze the cleric passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at the age of 69.
