By Chiemeka Ugwowo, Benin City
Vatican Appoints Bishop Donatus Ogun As Apostolic Administrator Of Benin Archdiocese After Akubeze’s Death
The Holy See has appointed the Most Rev. Donatus Ogun, O.S.A., Bishop of Uromi Diocese, as the Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Benin City, following the sudden death of the Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze.
The appointment was contained in an official letter dated July 10, 2026, issued by the Apostolic Nunciature in Nigeria and signed by the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Most Rev. Michael F. Crotty.
In the letter addressed to the Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Benin City, Rev. Fr. Michael Oyanoafor, the Vatican explained that the decision was made to ensure the smooth administration and continuity of pastoral activities in the Archdiocese while it remains without a substantive Archbishop.
According to the letter, the Dicastery for Evangelization, after careful consideration and with faculties granted by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, approved the appointment of Bishop Ogun as Apostolic Administrator pending the appointment of a new Archbishop for Benin City.
The Vatican stated that the appointment takes immediate effect, directing that the clergy, religious communities and faithful of the Archdiocese be duly informed of the development.
“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,” the letter stated.
The Apostolic Nuncio also extended the condolences of the Holy See to the priests, religious and lay faithful of the Archdiocese, assuring them of prayers and spiritual support during the period of mourning and transition.
Bishop Donatus Ogun will now oversee the administrative and pastoral affairs of the Archdiocese until Pope Leo XIV names a new Archbishop to succeed the late Archbishop Akubeze.
The late Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze, who served as the Archbishop of Benin City, was widely respected for his pastoral leadership, commitment to evangelisation and contributions to the growth of the Catholic Church in Nigeria. His passing created a vacancy in one of the country’s most prominent Catholic dioceses, prompting the Vatican’s swift intervention to maintain stability and continuity.
