Edo ALGON Boss Sunny Ekpeson Joins Gov. Okpebholo, Dignitaries To Receive Remains Of Late Archbishop Akubeze In Benin [SEE PHOTOS]

The Edo State Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and Executive Chairman of Etsako East Local Government Council, Rt. Hon. Sunny Ekpetika Ekpeson, has joined Governor Monday Okpebholo, top government functionaries, Catholic leaders and other dignitaries to receive the remains of the late Most Rev. Dr. Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze in Benin City.

The remains of the late Archbishop were received by the Apostolic Administrator of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, Most Rev. Bishop Donatus Ogun, who led Catholic priests, Papal Knights and Knights of Saint Mulumba in receiving the casket.

Ekpeson’s presence alongside Governor Okpebholo and other distinguished Edo leaders reflected the deep respect accorded to the late Archbishop and the significance of his contributions to the religious and social life of Edo State and Nigeria.

Archbishop Akubeze died on July 9, 2026, at the age of 69, leaving behind a remarkable legacy spanning decades of service to the Catholic Church and humanity.

He served as the Metropolitan Archbishop of Benin City from 2011 until his death, providing spiritual leadership to the Catholic faithful across the Archdiocese during a period marked by significant social and religious developments.

Beyond the Archdiocese of Benin City, Archbishop Akubeze occupied a prominent national position as President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria from 2018 to 2022, where he contributed significantly to the voice and direction of the Catholic Church in Nigeria.

His death has therefore been widely regarded as the passing of a major ecclesiastical figure whose influence extended beyond the pulpit into matters concerning peace, morality, human dignity and the wellbeing of society.

For Ekpeson, joining the Governor and other dignitaries at the reception was not merely a ceremonial appearance but a moment to honoured the revered spiritual leader whose life of service touched countless individuals and communities.

Agbukor Lucky Apeakhuye,
Media Aide to the Edo ALGON & Etsako East Local Government Council Chairman, Rt. Hon. Sunny Ekpetika Ekpeson on Politics and Strategic Development.