Senator Adams Oshiomhole has mourned the death of Archbishop Augustine Akubueze, describing him as a courageous servant of God whose legacy of truth, humility and selfless service will continue to inspire generations.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Most Reverend Augustine Akubueze, Archbishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Benin City, describing him as a courageous servant of God whose life was defined by truth, humility and dedicated service.
In a condolence message issued on Friday by his Chief of Staff, Victor Oshioke, Oshiomhole said he received the news of the Archbishop’s death with “shock and sadness.”
The senator said Archbishop Akubueze faithfully lived by his episcopal motto, Ut Testimonium Perhibeam Veritati (“That I May Bear Witness to the Truth”), throughout his ministry.
According to Oshiomhole, the late Archbishop was a compassionate shepherd, a fearless witness to the Gospel and a humble servant whose commitment to truth and justice earned him widespread respect among Catholics and non-Catholics alike.
He recalled that Archbishop Akubueze’s appointment to lead the Benin Archdiocese in 2011 coincided with his tenure as Governor of Edo State, following the cleric’s distinguished service as Bishop of Uromi.
Oshiomhole noted that although the appointment initially faced resistance, the Archbishop remained steadfast, trusting in God’s will and maintaining that every servant of God must faithfully answer wherever they are called to serve.
Reflecting on their relationship over the years, the senator praised the late cleric’s intellectual depth, spiritual devotion, pastoral experience and willingness to engage differing opinions with wisdom and grace.
“His counsel was measured, his convictions were principled, and his life was a testament to selfless service,” Oshiomhole said.
He extended condolences on behalf of his family and the people of Edo North Senatorial District to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, the clergy and faithful of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Benin City, and the wider Catholic community.
Oshiomhole prayed for God to grant the late Archbishop eternal rest, expressing confidence that his enduring legacy of faith, truth, humility and service would continue to inspire future generations.
Archbishop Augustine Akubueze died on July 9, according to a statement issued by the Chancellor of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin, Rev. Fr. Michael Oyanoafoh.
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