The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) has announced the death of the Metropolitan Archbishop of Benin City and former President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze.

The Secretariat disclosed the development in a statement issued on Thursday, calling on Catholics and people of goodwill to pray for the late Archbishop’s eternal repose.

In the statement posted on its official platforms, the Secretariat said:

“In total surrender to God’s will and in the sure hope of the Resurrection, the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria invites all the faithful and people of goodwill to unite in prayer for the eternal repose of the soul of Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, Metropolitan Archbishop of Benin City and former President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria.”

It further prayed:

“May the Lord, in His infinite mercy, grant him everlasting rest. And may his soul, together with the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”

Archbishop Akubeze served as Archbishop of Benin City from 2011 and was President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria between 2018 and 2022.

Widely respected for his pastoral leadership and consistent advocacy for justice, peace, good governance and national unity, he remained one of the most influential voices of the Catholic Church in Nigeria throughout his ministry.

The Catholic Secretariat did not disclose the cause of his death or announce funeral arrangements. It said further details would be communicated in due course.