As the world prepares for the 100th anniversary of the solemnity of Christ the Universal King (1925-2025), instituted by Pope Pius XI, the diocese of Auchi announced the graceful transitioning of Rt. Monsignor Thomas Oleghe (Feb. 6, 1921-Nov. 24, 2024), Nigeria’s oldest Catholic priest. Monsignor Oleghe’s demise comes exactly a year before the centenary celebrations of the solemnity of Christ the King, which coincides with the ordinary jubilee year of pilgrims of hope.
Born on February 6, 1921, in Igiode, Thomas Oleghe worked with the Nigerian Railway between 1941 and 1949 before responding to his priestly calling. He taught at the primary school in Uziarue from 1949 to 1951, then proceeded to the minor seminary in Benin City for a year. He later attended St. Teresa, Oke-Are, Ibadan, and then the SS. Peter and Paul Major Seminary, Bodija-Ibadan, as part of the first set of major seminarians.
Thomas Oleghe was ordained a priest on December 31, 1967, at Sacred Heart Parish, Agenegbode, by Bishop Patrick Joseph Kelly SMA. During his illustrious career, he served in various capacities, including as curate at St. Philemena from 1967 to 1968, priest in-charge of Igbogor, Iyekeovia, Iguobazua, and Siloko from 1968 to 1972, parish priest of Udaba from 1972 to 1974, Agenegbode, from 1974 to 1977, Igara, from 1977 to 2000, Iviukwe from 2000 to 2006, and spent his remaining years at Theresa, Fugar from 2006 until his demise on Nov 24, 2024.
Long before his retirement, Monsignor Oleghe was one of the priests of the old diocese of Benin City, who were ceded to the newly created Auchi diocese in 2004. He manned St. John the Apostle, Igara, for 23years, where the old Benin diocesan Marian pilgrimage centre was situated. He was a revered a confessor per excellence and a priest to meet.
Earlier this year, during the Nigeria Bishop Conference meeting held in Auchi, Edo State, the Bishops visited Monsignor Thomas Oleghe, who had long retired and was residing under the care of Fr. Polycarp Imoagane. The Bishop of Auchi Diocese announced not only Monsignor Oleghe’s transition but also his funeral to hold on “Wednesday, November 27, 2024”. It will apparently be a Mass of thanksgiving for his remarkable life and dedication to the priesthood.
Monsignor Oleghe transited amidst prayers and wishes of priests and friends on November 24, 2024, at the age of 103 years, 9 months and 18days. His demise has robbed Benin province of the honour of having both the oldest bishop (which it lost in the death of Archbishop Patrick Ebosele Ekpu) and of oldest priest in Nigeria within the same year. As the Catholic community observes this moment in his honour, they also celebrate his remarkable life, dedication, and service to the Church. May his rewards be longer than his years and be greater than his labours.
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Fr. Okhueleigbe Osemhantie ร
@Nov. 24, ’24
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