Archbishop Akubeze’s remains arrive in Benin for burial

The body of the late Archbishop of the Benin Catholic Archdiocese, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, has arrived in Benin City ahead of his interment tomorrow.

Akubeze died last month in his sleep while on vacation in the United States (U.S.).

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, led top government officials to receive the remains on arrival.

The body was received by Bishop Donatus Ogun, Apostolic Administrator of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, alongside Fr. Augustine Ehigie, Fr. Michael Oyanoafoh, and members of the Papal Knights and Knights of St Mulumba.

Catholic faithful at the airport were seen in tears as the body was moved to a hearse and taken to St Philomena Mortuary.

Archbishop Akubeze was born on August 25, 1956, in Kaduna. He was ordained a priest on October 3, 1987, and consecrated a bishop on February 25, 2006. He will be buried at the Bishops’ vault in the Holy Cross Cathedral, where late Catholic bishops of the archdiocese are interred.