Catholic Archbishop of Benin dies one month before retirement

Catholic Archbishop of Benin City, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, died in his sleep while on vacation abroad, one month before his 70th birthday which would have signaled his retirement. The Archdiocese chancellery announced his death with profound sorrow, recalling his ordination in 1987 and appointment as Archbishop in 2011. The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria praised his pastoral leadership and his role as former president of the Bishops Conference. Funeral arrangements will be communicated later.