In the wake of the sudden passing of the Metropolitan Archbishop of Benin City, His Grace, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, the Holy See has swiftly moved to ensure the interim governance of the vacant See.
In an official circular dated July 10, 2026, the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, His Excellency, Most Rev. Michael F. Crotty, announced that the Dicastery for Evangelization has appointed the Bishop of Uromi, Most Rev. Donatus Ogun, O.S.A., as the Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Benin City.
The urgent appointment follows the notification of the untimely and sudden death of Archbishop Akubeze, who had faithfully led the Archdiocese. According to the diplomatic correspondence (N° 2415/26) addressed to the Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Benin City, Rev. Fr. Michael Oyanoafoh, the decision was made to stabilize leadership within the ecclesiastical territory.
The Nuncio stated: “The Dicastery for Evangelization, after due consideration and with faculties granted to it by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, has appointed the Most Rev. Donatus Ogun, O.S.A., Bishop of Uromi, as the Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Benin City, pending the appointment of the new Archbishop.”
The appointment takes effect immediately, as Fr. Oyanoafoh has been directed to formally notify the clergy, religious, and lay faithful of the Archdiocese upon receipt of the circular.
As an Apostolic Administrator, Bishop Ogun will oversee the spiritual and administrative running of the Benin Archdiocese while simultaneously maintaining his current seat as the Bishop of Uromi.
Archbishop Crotty extended the Holy See’s deepest condolences to the Chancellor, priests, religious brothers and sisters, and the entire lay faithful of the Archdiocese. He offered assurances of his spiritual closeness and continuous prayers during this profoundly challenging period of mourning and loss.
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