Benin City receives Archbishop Akubeze’s remains amid emotional tributes [VIDEO]

Benin City Airport on Monday became a scene of solemn mourning and remembrance as the mortal remains of the late Metropolitan Archbishop of Benin City, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, arrived in the Edo State capital.

The aircraft conveying the remains touched down at the airport at about 1:00 p.m. Nigerian time, marking the return of the late Catholic prelate to the city where he served as Metropolitan Archbishop and played a significant role in the life of the Catholic Church.

Archbishop Akubeze died on July 9, 2026, bringing to an end a period of episcopal service that earned him recognition within the Nigerian Catholic Church and beyond.

The arrival was marked by a large gathering of Catholic clergy, religious leaders, lay faithful, members of the League of Knights, security personnel and government representatives.

Among those present was Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, whose attendance underscored the significance of the late Archbishop’s passing to the state and its people.

READ ALSO; US missionary decries Plateau killings, says pastor’s family was ‘hunted and slaughtered’

The airport, ordinarily associated with the movement of passengers and aircraft, assumed a markedly different atmosphere as mourners gathered to receive the remains of the late Archbishop.

Bishops and priests stood alongside members of religious orders, knights, security formations and lay faithful as the remains were formally received.

The gathering reflected the breadth of communities and institutions with which Archbishop Akubeze was associated during his ministry.

His return to Benin City also marked the beginning of another phase of the funeral ceremonies, which are expected to combine liturgical rites, prayers and tributes in honour of the late Archbishop.

Across the Archdiocese of Benin City, Catholic faithful are expected to participate in Masses and prayers for the repose of his soul.

Masses are scheduled to be celebrated at 5:00 p.m. across parishes and Catholic communities in the archdiocese, allowing worshippers to unite spiritually in mourning and thanksgiving for his life and ministry.

The ceremonies are expected to draw together clergy, religious communities, lay faithful and members of the wider society as the Catholic community begins the final rites for one of its prominent shepherds.

The arrival of Archbishop Akubeze’s remains has therefore transformed what would ordinarily have been a routine airport operation into a moment of collective reflection, as the Church and people of Benin City remember a former shepherd whose ministry was closely associated with the religious life of the city.