By Paul Nwosu, PhD
Former Anambra State Governor, His Excellency, Chief Willie Maduabuchi Obiano, has expressed shock and deep sorrow over the sudden passing of the Catholic Archbishop of Benin, Most Rev. Dr. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, who died at the age of 69, just weeks before his 70th birthday.
Chief Obiano described the late Archbishop as a lifelong friend with whom he shared a rich history, having both grown up in Onitsha. He recalled the close bond between the Obiano and Akubeze families and fondly remembered their childhood years, noting that Archbishop Akubeze and his siblings were among the pupils taught by his late father, Phillp Onuorah Obiano, the legendary and highly disciplined Headmaster of Holy Trinity Primary School, Onitsha.
According to Obiano, even as a young boy, Augustine Akubeze displayed a remarkable comportment that set him apart from his peers, giving early indications that he was destined for the Lord’s vineyard. It was therefore no surprise, he said, that throughout his priestly ministry, Archbishop Akubeze earned the affectionate admiration of his colleagues, who fondly referred to him as the “gentleman priest.”
Chief Obiano said Archbishop Akubeze distinguished himself in the priestly vocation, rising through the ranks to become Bishop of Uromi before his appointment as Archbishop of the Benin Archdiocese. According to him, the late prelate shepherded his flock with exceptional spirituality, humility, compassion, and pastoral wisdom.
Chief Obiano noted that Archbishop Akubeze’s stature within the Catholic Church was evident in his selection by fellow bishops to deliver the landmark homily at the triple celebration of Anthony Cardinal Okogie on June 16, 2026, marking the Cardinal’s 90th birthday, the 60th anniversary of his priestly ordination, and the 55th anniversary of his episcopal ordination.
On behalf of his family, Chief Willie Maduabuchi Obiano extended his heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Church, the Archdiocese of Benin, and the Akubeze family, praying that Almighty God grant them the strength to bear this painful loss and that the gentle soul of Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze may rest in perfect peace.