By Lucky Isibor
The Holy See has appointed the Catholic Bishop of Uromi Diocese, Most Rev. Donatus Ogun, O.S.A., as the Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Benin City following the death of Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze.
The appointment was conveyed in a letter referenced No. 2415/26, dated July 10, 2026, and signed by the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Michael F. Crotty. The letter was addressed to the Chancellor of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, Rev. Fr. Oyanoafoh.
According to the Nuncio, the appointment takes immediate effect and will remain in force until a substantive Archbishop of Benin City is appointed.
Archbishop Crotty explained that the decision was taken by the Dicastery for Evangelization, acting with faculties granted by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, to ensure the smooth governance of the Archdiocese during the period of vacancy occasioned by the sudden demise of Archbishop Akubeze.
The Apostolic Nuncio also directed the Chancellor to notify all the clergy of the Archdiocese immediately upon receipt of the letter.
In the correspondence, Archbishop Crotty expressed condolences to the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the Archdiocese, assuring them of his prayers during the period of mourning.
“Following the notification of the untimely and sudden death of His Grace the Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, the Holy See has decided to make provision for the interim governance of the Archdiocese of Benin City while it remains vacant.
“I wish to inform you, therefore, that the Dicastery for Evangelization, after due consideration and with faculties granted to it by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, has appointed the Most Rev. Donatus Ogun, O.S.A., Bishop of Uromi, as the Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Benin City, pending the appointment of the new Archbishop.
“The above appointment is effective immediately; therefore, I kindly request you to notify the clergy of the Archdiocese, upon receipt of this letter.
“Once again, accept my sincerest condolences as I extend to you, the priests, religious and lay faithful of the Archdiocese of Benin City the assurances of my prayers during this time of mourning and loss,” it concluded.