By Fr. Michael Nsikak Umoh, CSN
It was a deeply moving and faith-filled liturgical celebration on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, as the Catholic Diocese of Warri bid a final farewell to its Bishop Emeritus, Most Rev. John Okeoghene Afareha. The incumbent Local Ordinary, Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, described his predecessor as a pillar of the faith and a courageous shepherd in his vote of thanks.
The Funeral Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Warri drew a massive assembly of Church hierarchy, priests and religious, the lay faithful, state officials and royal fathers.
Addressing the congregation, Bishop Ewherido poured out encomiums on the late prelate, specifically highlighting his unwavering commitment to Church tradition.
”Thank you for your courage, steadfastness, insistence against odds and firm belief in orthodoxy,” Bishop Ewherido stated, addressing the late Bishop Afareha directly. “The great things you accomplished are before our eyes and no one can deny what is attributable to [you].”
The tribute shed light on the late Bishop’s 52 years of priestly service, noting that despite a relatively short tenure as the Local Ordinary of Warri, his impact on the growth of the Diocese and the lives of countless individuals remains indelible.
In a touching personal moment, Bishop Ewherido revealed little-known details about the late Bishop’s identity. He shared that Bishop Afareha bore the baptismal name “Lucky” and the middle name “Matthias.” The latter name was particularly significant, as Bishop Ewherido recounted their final conversation just a week before Bishop Afareha’s passing. During that talk, the Emeritus Bishop chose “St. Matthias” as the patron for the newly established Catechetical Center in Oleh; a final act of administrative and spiritual leadership.
The event served as a powerful display of solidarity within the Nigerian Church. Hence Bishop Ewherido expressed deep gratitude to the high-ranking dignitaries in attendance, including Peter Cardinal Okpaleke (Bishop of Ekwulobia), Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji (CBCN President and Chief Celebrant), Most Rev. Augustine Akubeze (Metropolitan of Benin City), Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State and other top government functionaries.
Beyond the ecclesiastical tributes, Bishop Ewherido took time to thank those who stood by Bishop Afareha during his “trying times health-wise” following his retirement. He specifically lauded the Missionary Sisters of Jesus and Mary, whom he called the “special daughters of Papa,” urging them to find strength in the principles he instilled in them.
As the remains of Most Rev. John Okeoghene Lucky Matthias Afareha were committed to the earth, the Diocese of Warri closed a significant chapter of its history, anchored by Bishop Ewherido’s prayer that the “priestly soul” of his predecessor find eternal rest in the bosom of the Lord.
