Cardinal John Onaiyekan, Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja; Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama; Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpaleke, Bishop of Ekwulobia, Anambra State; Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State; the Presidential Candidate of the NDC, Peter Obi, and about 62 Catholic bishops, among others were in attendance at the the funeral Mass of late Archbishop of Benin, Augustine Obiora Akubeze held at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Benin.

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.

Speaking, the Chairman of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso of the Archdiocese of Kaduna, said the late Archbishop Akubeze was an epitome of humility, commitment, and generosity, virtues which, he said, enabled the late cleric to succeed in the ministry.

Archbishop Man-Oso Ndagoso said Akubeze, who was a former President of the CBCN, continued to be a source of inspiration until his demise.

“Above all, he was a man of deep interior life, sustained by constant prayer and reflection. His spiritual depth was the wellspring from which he drew strength to labour tirelessly for the flock entrusted to his care.

“He was grounded in his intimate communion with the Lord. He was a man of humble and gentle mien. We will not forget in a hurry how he steered the ship of the Catholic Bishops‘ Conference of Nigeria as its President. His tenure was marked by deep commitment to unity, and his wise counsel has continued to shape the life of the Conference till date.

“His heart was genuinely and unreservedly given to those he served. He was also known for his gift of patiently listening to the problems of both clergy and laity. At the same time, his generosity was unmatched, and he will be remembered as a man who proclaimed the Gospel of generosity.”

On his part, the Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general election, said the late Archbishop of Benin, Augustine Obiora Akubeze, lived a sacrificial life, urging Nigerians to emulate him.

Obi, who described the departed cleric’s life as exceptional, added: “Archbishop Akubeze lived an exceptional life. He lived his life for others. His life was sacrificial. Nigerians should learn from him. May the God who called him grant his soul eternal rest.”

On his part, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, who thanked God for the life of the late Archbishop, added that the late cleric carried out his calling with dedication.

He said: “We thank God for the gift of his life, his priestly ministry, and his service to the Church and to God’s people. He carried out his calling with dedication, faith, courage, and love for the people entrusted to his care.

“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.

“As we commit his soul into the hands of our merciful God, may the Lord grant him eternal rest and welcome him into His heavenly kingdom.”

On his part, Pope Leo XIV, who sent his condolence message through the Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, recalled Archbishop Akubeze’s years of dedication to his episcopal ministry and his commitment as President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, while commending his pastoral initiatives. He said His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, commends the late Archbishop’s ministry. (the Guardian)

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