By Fr. Michael Nsikak Umoh
In a solemn and spiritually uplifting Funeral Mass at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Airport Road, Benin City, on Thursday 13 August, 2026, members of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), clergy, consecrated religious, dignitaries, and thousands of lay faithful assembled to pray for the repose of the soul of late Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze. The Chief Celebrant at the Holy Mass was Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, the President of the CBCN, while Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji performed the final rite after communion.
Most Rev. Ignatius A. Kaigama, Archbishop of Abuja, in the homily, paid a glowing tribute to the late Archbishop of Benin City, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, describing him as a rare model of quiet humility, pastoral wisdom, and selfless service to God and humanity.
Before a congregation of prelates, government dignitaries, clergy, religious, and many thousands of the faithful, Archbishop Kaigama reflected on the profound spiritual footprint left by the late former President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), who passed away in Atlanta, USA, on July 9, 2026.
Reflecting on the life and episcopate of Archbishop Akubeze, Archbishop Kaigama observed that the late shepherd possessed a rare grace: the ability to lead powerfully without seeking the spotlight. He described him as a "seasoned administrator and a man of few words, whose silence often spoke volumes."
Drawing from his personal experiences serving alongside Archbishop Akubeze in the CBCN Presidency, Archbishop Kaigama shared how the late Archbishop exemplified the prophet Micah's charge to "do justice, to love kindness, and walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8).
"I knew him as humble, reserved, thoughtful, calm and profound," Archbishop Kaigama recalled, recounting how Archbishop Akubeze willingly deferred his own 20th episcopal anniversary celebrations so that prelates could prioritise a papal visit. "That was the kind of man he was – humble, selfless, and devoted to the Church."
Archbishop Kaigama noted that Archbishop Akubeze’s episcopal motto, Ut Testimonium Perhibeam Veritati ("That I may bear witness to the Truth"), was not merely a decorative slogan, but the driving force of his daily ministry. He urged the faithful, clergy, and leaders across Nigeria to draw strength from the late prelate’s quiet resolve, reminding all that true spiritual authority is not measured by noise or posturing, but by authentic witness, generous giving, and unwavering fidelity to Christ.
He challenged the Church and society to honour the late Archbishop's memory by continuing the work of justice, standing with the vulnerable, promoting peace, and remaining a courageous, prophetic voice for the voiceless.
Addressing the Archdiocese of Benin City, the Archbishop of Abuja appealed to the priests, religious, and laity to preserve the unity and momentum that Archbishop Akubeze worked so tirelessly to build.
"Do not allow your grief to become a stagnating force," Kaigama exhorted. "The good work that the Lord has begun among you must continue and be brought to completion."
As the Church commends Archbishop Akubeze to the eternal mercy of God, the faithful are charged to live each day with integrity, humility, and an unshakeable readiness for the day when every soul must give account before the Creator.
