Late Former President of Nigeria’s Catholic Bishops’ Conference to be Laid to Rest on August 13

Archbishop Akubeze served as President of the CBCN from 2018 to 2022, during which he was widely recognized for his outspoken defense of truth, justice, religious freedom, and good governance amid the country’s numerous social and security challenges.

As preparations for the funeral continue, members of Archbishop Akubeze’s family have continued to pay tribute to the late Nigerian Catholic Church leader, remembering him for his humility, kindness, and fatherly care.

In a tribute published by Veritas Communication Benin on Sunday, August 2, the late Archbishop’s nieces, Adaeze, Obiageli, and Nkiru reflected on the pain of losing him just days before what would have been his 70th birthday.

“It is with profound sadness… that instead of celebrating your 70th birthday, we are writing this tribute,” they wrote, describing the news of the sudden passing on of Archbishop Akubeze as a “devastating shock” and “a reality so painful that we prayed it was all a cruel mistake.”

The three nieces said that while many knew him as a shepherd of God’s people, they cherished him as “our dear Uncle Augustine,” recalling the precious moments they shared and the guidance they received from the Nigerian Archbishop.

They said, “Though you no longer walk this earth with us, you have left an indelible mark on our lives. The precious moments we shared and the invaluable guidance you gave us will live on in our hearts forever.”

“To us, you were so much more than a respected leader; it was an absolute privilege and honour to have known you as our uncle. We will never forget how you took the time from your incredibly busy schedule to call each of us individually,” they added, remembering his attentiveness despite the demands of Episcopal ministry.

They also recalled that the Archbishop personally telephoned each of them to express his gratitude for their support during the celebration of his 20th Episcopal anniversary, doing so in the “characteristically gentle, humorous, and gracious manner” for which he was known.

“That kindness was the very essence of who you were, and we will cherish the memory of those conversations forever,” they wrote in their tribute, praying for the late Archbishop Akubeze’s “gentle soul rest in everlasting peace.”