The funeral programme for the former Metropolitan Archbishop of Benin city, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze has been officially announced with burial fixed for Thursday, August 13, 2026
The announcement was made in a circular signed by the Chancellor of Catholic Archdiocese of Benin city, Very Rev. Fr. Michael Oyanoafoh on Tuesday July 28, 2026, on the directive of the Apostolic Administrator, Most Rev. Donatus A. Ogun, OSA.
According to the circular, the two-day funeral rites will commence with a Vigil Mass and conclude with a Funeral Mass and interment, in line with Catholic tradition.
Archbishop Akubeze’s Burial Schedule:
Vigil Mass: Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at Holy Cross Cathedral, Mission Road, Benin City , starting at 5:00 PM.
Funeral Mass: Thursday, August 13, 2026 at St. Paul Catholic Church, Airport Road, Benin City, starting at 10:00 AM.
The venues were chosen to accommodate the large number of faithful, clergy, religious, and dignitaries expected to attend from within and outside Edo State to pay their last respects to the late prelate.
In the circular, Fr. Oyanoafoh urged all Catholic faithful and people of goodwill to continue to pray for the peaceful repose of Archbishop Akubeze’s soul as preparations for the funeral ceremonies are ongoing.
He also called on priests, religious communities, lay organizations, and the general public to participate fully in the rites, noting that the late Archbishop served the Church and humanity with “exemplary dedication, humility and pastoral zeal.”
Archbishop Augustine Akubeze was a respected voice in the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, where he previously served as President. He was known during his tenure in Benin Archdiocese for his commitment to evangelization, education, youth formation, and interfaith dialogue.
His death has drawn tributes from various parts of the country, with clergies and lay faithfuls describing him as a shepherd who combined deep spirituality with practical concern for the poor and vulnerable.
The Archdiocese stated that further details regarding burial arrangements, reception of dignitaries, and logistics will be communicated in subsequent updates.
As Benin Archdiocese prepares to lay its former chief shepherd to rest, many are expected to troop into Benin City on August 12 and 13 to honor a life devoted to service of God and humanity.
Rest in peace, Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze.
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