Senator Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole has described the death of the Catholic Archbishop of Benin City, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, as a “monumental loss” to the Church, Edo State, Nigeria, and the global Christian community.
In a condolence statement released Thursday by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Victor Oshioke, the Senator representing Edo North said he received the news of the Archbishop’s passing at age 69 with “profound shock and heartfelt sadness.”
—“A Life That Witnessed The Truth”—
Oshiomhole noted that Archbishop Akubeze lived out his episcopal motto, “Ut Testimonium Perhibeam Veritati” — “That I may bear witness to the Truth.”
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He described the late cleric as “a courageous witness to the Gospel, a compassionate shepherd and a humble servant of God” whose simplicity, accessibility, gentleness and commitment to justice earned him respect across religious lines.
—From Resistance To Affection in Benin—
The former Edo State governor recalled that Akubeze’s appointment as Archbishop of Benin in 2011 came during his own tenure as governor, after the Archbishop’s distinguished service as Bishop of Uromi.
Oshiomhole said the appointment initially generated resistance, but the Archbishop remained steadfast, trusting in God’s will.
“Although the appointment initially generated resistance, the Archbishop remained steadfast, trusting completely in God’s will and maintaining that a servant of God must faithfully answer wherever the Lord calls,” Oshiomhole stated.
He added that opposition eventually gave way to “acceptance, admiration and genuine affection” as Akubeze’s humility and pastoral commitment united both clergy and laity.
—“Measured Counsel, Principled Convictions”—
Reflecting on their years of interaction, Oshiomhole praised the Archbishop’s intellect, spirituality, and pastoral experience.
“His counsel was measured, his convictions were principled, and his life was a testament to selfless service,” the Senator said.
—Condolences—
On behalf of his family and the people of Edo North, Oshiomhole extended condolences to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, the clergy and faithful of the Benin Archdiocese, and the entire Catholic community.
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He prayed for the repose of the Archbishop’s soul and for comfort for all mourners, adding that his “enduring legacy of truth, faith, humility and dedicated service would continue to inspire generations.”
Archbishop Akubeze died on July 9, 2026. Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.
