Pope Leo XIV has appointed the Bishop of Uromi Diocese, Most Rev. Donatus Ogun, O.S.A., as the Apostolic Administrator sede vacante of the Archdiocese of Benin City following the death of the Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze.
The appointment was conveyed by the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty, in a letter addressed to the clergy and faithful of the Archdiocese through the Chancellor, Very Rev. Fr. Michael Oyanoafoh.
As Apostolic Administrator, Bishop Ogun will oversee the administration and pastoral affairs of the Archdiocese during the period of transition until a new Archbishop is appointed by the Holy See.
The appointment ensures the continued governance of the Archdiocese while the process of selecting a substantive Archbishop is underway.
The Catholic faithful have been encouraged to support Bishop Ogun with prayers as he assumes his new responsibility, asking God to grant him wisdom, strength, and grace in leading the Archdiocese during this interim period.
Prayers have also been offered for the peaceful repose of the soul of the late Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze, as well as for the priests, religious, and lay faithful of the Archdiocese of Benin City as they mourn the loss of their shepherd and look forward to new leadership.
