Okpebholo, Kaigama eulogise Archbishop Akabueze at funeral mass

‎The remains of the late Metropolitan Archbishop of Benin City, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, were Thursday committed to the care of the church as dignitaries, Catholic faithful and residents of Edo state gathered at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Benin City, for his funeral mass.
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‎The funeral mass provided an opportunity for mourners to celebrate the life and ministry of the late Archbishop, who died on July 9, 2026, at the age of 69.
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‎Speaking at the service, Edo state governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, described Akubeze’s death as a painful loss, but said the state and the Catholic Church had every reason to be grateful for the legacy he left behind.
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‎Okpebholo said the late Archbishop devoted his life to serving God and humanity, describing his priestly ministry as one characterised by dedication, faith, courage and love for the people entrusted to his care.
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‎“We thank God for the gift of his life, his priestly ministry and his service to the Church and to God’s people,” the governor said.
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‎He recalled his last interaction with Akubeze shortly before the Archbishop travelled, saying the late cleric prayed for him and encouraged him during their meeting.
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‎“Though we mourn his passing, we also give thanks for the legacy he leaves behind, the lives he touched, the people he encouraged and the work he did for the growth of the Church,” Okpebholo said.