Uromi, Edo State, Feb. 3, 2025
Fr. Okhueleigbe Osemhantie Ã
The Catholic Diocese of Uromi is steeped in solemn prayer and liturgical offerings following the passing of the esteemed Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Cosmas Aluede Ojemen. His death was announced on Friday, January 31, 2025, by Bishop Ogun in the sacristy, where, after a momentary prayer including the De Profundis, the bishop reminded all priests of their obligation to celebrate at least three Masses for the repose of the soul of a deceased priest. In a touching response, bells across every parish in Uromi have been tolling, calling the faithful to offer Masses in his memory. Furthermore, a joint Requiem Mass has been scheduled at St. Anselm Catholic Church, Irrua, on Monday, February 3, 2025, at 4:00pm—a notice duly communicated by the Chancellor of the Diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Oseabulu Hilary Odenore.
Born on September 26, 1953, in Illah, Delta State, Fr. Prof. Cosmas Aluede Ojemen was the son of Mr. Michael Udogbidin Ojemen and Mrs. Regina Agimendotoa Ojemen, both natives of Uromi, Esan North East, Edo State. He grew up alongside his siblings—Engr. Lawrence Ojemen, Mrs. Mary Effodu, Mr. Gregory Ojemen, Mrs. Bernadette Iyare, and Ms. Benedicta Ojemen—immersed in a family that valued education and service.
His academic and spiritual journey began at St. Anthony Primary School (now Okpuje Primary School) in Uromi (1962–1967) and continued at St. Paul Minor Seminary in Benin City. Recognizing his calling, he advanced to Sts. Peter and Paul Regional Major Seminary in Ibadan in 1973, where he prepared for his vocation with dedication. Fr. Ojemen was ordained a priest on March 15, 1980, at Holy Cross Cathedral in Benin City by Most Rev. Dr. Patrick Ebosele Ekpu, OFN.
A man of rare intellectual prowess and spiritual depth, Fr. Prof. Cosmas Ojemen pursued a stellar academic career. He earned a Diploma in Religious Studies from the University of Ibadan in 1976 and a Bachelor in Divinity (B.D.)—Magna Cum Laude—from Urban University, Rome, in 1980. His pursuit of canon law led him to obtain a Licentiate in Canon Law (J.CL) with Summa Cum Laude honorus from Urban University, Rome, in 1984, as well as a Licentiate in Psycho-Pedagogy (L.PP) with Summa Cum Laude honours from Anthonianum Pontifical University, Rome, in 1987. He further distinguished himself by earning a Doctorate in Canon Law (D.CL), also with Summa Cum Laude honorus, from Urban University, Rome, in 1986. His academic journey culminated in an illustrious career as a Professor of Canon Law at the Catholic Institute of West Africa in Port Harcourt, where he also served as Head of the Department of Canon Law (2018–2021), Dean of Students Affairs (2012–2018), and ultimately, Dean of the Faculty of Canon Law from March 2021 until his retirement in 2023.
Fr. Prof. Ojemen was a trailblazer. He was the first diocesan priest from Arue Community, the first Uromi diocesan priest to study canon law at the doctoral level, and the first priest in the Catholic Ecclesiastical Province of Benin to attain the rank of Professor of Canon Law. His achievements were not only academic but also pastoral and personal, earning him a reputation as a man who was, quite simply, better than words can describe.
To capture the essence of Fr. Prof. Cosmas Aluede Ojemen is to celebrate a life characterized by excellence in every aspect. He was an exceptionally brilliant, insightful, and inspiring scholar; a meticulous, astute, and respected jurist; and a profoundly compassionate, generous, and devoted priest. His visionary leadership, graceful integrity, and impeccable character were matched by his remarkable ability to educate, guide, and uplift those around him. He was eloquent, articulate, and persuasive in his speech; graceful, courteous, and dignified in his manner; and steadfast, resolute, and thoughtful in every decision he made. In his work, he was innovative, resourceful, and creative—a true trailblazer who combined intellectual rigour with heartfelt pastoral care. His humility, wisdom, and dedication shone through in every endeavour, earning him accolades as a brilliant mentor, an exceptional teacher, a trusted advisor, and an indefatigable builder of both faith and community.
The legacy of Fr. Prof. Cosmas Aluede Ojemen extends far beyond his academic accolades. He was a visionary, a pragmatic problem-solver, and a compassionate soul whose kindness, empathy, and boundless generosity touched countless lives. His work as a scholar and a priest will continue to inspire future generations, serving as a beacon of hope and excellence in both canon law and pastoral ministry.
The story of his earthly apostolate is profound and far-reaching—a narrative that will be shared in greater detail in the coming days. For now, we join together in prayer and remembrance, honoring a noble soul, an erudite scholar, a devoted priest, and an incomparable mentor. May his memory be eternal and his legacy continue to inspire. Requiescat in pace. Amen.
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