The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Mr Blessing Agbebaku, has described the death of the Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Benin, Archbishop Augustine Akubeze, as a rude shock.
Agbebaku said the late cleric’s passing was a monumental loss to Edo and the nation.
In a condolence message issued on Friday in Benin on behalf of the Assembly, Agbebaku said the passing of the revered cleric was devastating and unexpected.
“It came to me as a rude shock. The death of His Grace, Archbishop Augustine Akubeze, is a monumental loss.
“He was a father, a shepherd and a voice of conscience to our people,” he said.
The Speaker described the late Archbishop as a bridge-builder, advocate of education and fearless voice for justice, peace and good governance.
According to him, Akubeze consistently used the pulpit and his office to speak truth to power while offering hope and guidance to the less privileged.
“Archbishop Akubeze lived a life of service. He touched countless lives through his commitment to education, healthcare and the moral development of our youth.
“His wise counsel will be sorely missed by the Assembly and the people of our various constituencies,” Agbebaku said.
He said that the late cleric’s leadership of the Benin Archdiocese promoted unity among Christians and strengthened interfaith harmony across Edo.
The Speaker also recalled Akubeze’s interventions on critical state and national issues, describing them as timely, courageous and patriotic.
“On behalf of the Edo State House of Assembly, I commiserate with the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the immediate family of the late Archbishop,” he said.
Agbebaku prayed for the peaceful repose of the Archbishop’s soul and for divine comfort for all those mourning his passing.
“Edo has lost a great moral compass, but his legacies of faith, education and selfless service will continue to inspire generations,” he added.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Archbishop Akubeze died on July 9, according to a statement signed by the Chancellor of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin, Rev. Fr. Dr Michael Oyanoafoh.(NAN).
