By Fr. Michael Nsikak Umoh, CSN
The Catholic community gathered in their thousands at the Holy Cross Cathedral, Benin City, on August 22, 2024, to bid farewell to Archbishop Patrick Ebosele Ekpu, a revered Church leader who left an indelible mark on the lives of many.
In a heartfelt welcome address, the Archbishop of Benin, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze celebrated the life and legacy of Archbishop Ekpu, highlighting his numerous contributions to the growth of the Church and the Nigerian society.
“No one can ever bury the over 61 years he served the Church as a priest. No one can ever bury the over 52 years he served as Bishop. No one can ever bury his numerous contributions to the growth of the Church in Nigeria,” Archbishop Akubeze said.
He praised Archbishop Ekpu’s simple life, prophetic voice, and his role in establishing religious congregations and institutions. “It is impossible to bury the legacy of Ekpu who spoke little but led by example. It is impossible to bury Ekpu’s heroic life lived for more than 21 years he lost his sight and never complained,” Archbishop Akubeze added.
The Archbishop also acknowledged the deceased prelate’s commitment to the Church, saying, “We may bury his mortal remains today, but we can never bury the memories of a Church patriarch who retired for more than 18 years and never interfered with the administration of the diocese he governed since 1973.”
In the same vein, the President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, who was also the Chief Celebrant at the funeral Mass, described the deceased Archbishop as “a man of remarkable personal qualities.”
“His visionary zeal led to the establishment of 80 parishes…and the creation of the dioceses of Auchi and Uromi… he founded the Sisters of Sacred Heart of Jesus… and established the first priests’ retirement home in Nigeria.
“His commitment to the vulnerable was evident in his establishment of a home for elderly homeless women… through his pastoral letters, he enlightened the faithful and guided their spiritual journey, and during his tenure, he ordained over 90 priests, significantly increasing the clergy in the Archdiocese,” he recounted.
The large turnout of bishops, priests, religious, lay faithful, and dignitaries of state and royal fathers at the funeral Mass is a testament to Archbishop Ekpu’s enduring impact on the Church and society. Bishop Michael Elue gave the homily, John Cardinal Onaiyekan performed the final commendation rite, while Archbishop Akubeze performed the rite of committal.
REST IN PEACE
Archbishop Patrick Ebosele Ekpu (1935-2024)
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