Authority experienced as service: A tribute to Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze

It was shocking to learn of your sudden passing. I had thought of calling you a few days prior, but said to myself, I will see him shortly, as I had done in the past when you came on vacation. At first, I disbelieved the news, and prayed some counter information would come in quick succession. But this was never to be. I have been praying the Miserere for you since this sad news came. And I will continue.

You lived a life that was centered on the Eucharist. You never began your day without spending time in the chapel with the Lord in Eucharistic adoration and the Holy Mass. as a young priest, you inspired me your Eucharistic spirituality. Your love for learning was also contagious. You were an avid reader, and anyone who was close to you benefited from your passion for learning. I am one of those. You lived simply. Despite the many people who loved you and were willing to support you materially, you were detached from material wealth. Your altruism was unequaled. And your generosity was without discrimination.

In you I experienced authority as service. You lived in total submission to God’s providential will. And this was exactly how you died. You had always said you were open to being called to martyrdom. Your desire was for the spread of the Gospel. And if bodily comfort impeded that, you were willing to forgo it. In the way you lived, you gave me an example that is rare.

Thank you for ordaining me to the priesthood, and assigning me to work closely with you as your Personal Secretary for 4 years. Thank you for your unwavering love despite all odds. I will never forget.

Although you are now bodily absent to us, you are present to God. I believe my pain at your passing will be consoled by my hope in the resurrection. Now that you have transitioned to a realm of higher intimacy with Christ whom you served so well, may the angels welcome you to the heavenly liturgy, and may the Blessed Virgin lead you to Jesus, the true priest. Rest in God’s peace, AB!

Fr. Julius Okojie

His Grace , Most Rev.Dr. Augustine Obiora Akubeze was a good man.
May His gentle soul rest in peace amen.
We will all miss his love and care.
May the his soul of our beloved Archbishop and that of all the faithful departed rest in peace, may their souls rest in peace, amen.

A TRIBUTE TO A FATHER LIKE NO OTHER

MOST REV. DR. AUGUSTINE OBIORA AKUBEZE

A MAN WHO MADE ME WHO I AM

How do you sum up a lifetime of love in a few words? You can't—but I'll try, because you deserve to know exactly what you mean to me.

There are shepherds and then there are shepherd after God 's own heart
Your Grace, you were the latter. You carried the staff of leadership not with pride but with humility. You were not just a man of authority, you were a man of prayer, presence and profound love. You taught us that leadership is not a throne but a towel. You washed feet in ways no one saw, gave in secret and love when it cost you everything.
Your legacy is not in titles or buildings- it is written on the hearts of every life you touched , every soul you pointed to redemption and every prodigal you welcomed home.
Thank you for being a father to so many. You were a gift from God and now you are in His everlasting arms.

For the past 26years l have known you as a Priest and Bishop. You were the warm voice that calmed my fears and the quiet strength that never, ever let me fall too hard. You didn't just provide—you gave. Not only material things, but your time. Not only advice, but a listening ear. Not merely rules, but a moral compass.

Your laughter—loud and full—made ordinary days feel like celebrations. Your silence, too, spoke volumes; it was the kind that simply said, "I'm here," without a single word.

You loved us in the little things. You taught me that strength is not harshness, and that caring is never weakness. You showed me what it truly means to be good, not just successful; to be kind, not just right.

You have been the anchor in every storm, the light in every fog, and the steady beat beneath my own heartbeat. I am who I am because of you. Every kind word I speak, every helping hand I extend, every time I choose love over fear—these are reflections of the values you instilled in me.

I hope you know that you were a father like no other to me as a Rev sister and now, also a loving grandfather to my daughter, Tonia. You have been the greatest blessing in our lives.

There will never be enough years—or even enough days—to thank you for all you have given. But I can make this promise: I will carry your love forward. I will strive to be for others what you have always been for me.

Thank you, Your Grace, for being everything for me and Tonia.

Adieu, Your Grace.

Jee nke oma. Ka ọ mesie.

May your gentle and peaceful soul rest in the Lord and may the Angels of God welcome you to paradise.

Till we meet to part no more, faithful servant of God. Good bye.

Forever your daughter,
Veralyn Ogochukwu Esenwa

https://trinitasnews.com/from-sudden-and-unprovided-death-lord-jesus-deliver-me-a-theological-interpretation-of-a-familiar-christian-prayer-on-the-death-of-archbish/

His Grace, Most Rev Augustine Obiora Akubueze was a man who knows how to calm your worries with his presence, generosity and humility. Each time I came in contact with him, he added value to my life, same testimony from all those who were privileged to experience him. He may have gone from this mortal world but he lives in the life of many for ever. Fare thee well, Ezigbo Nna, Ezigbo Onye nkuzi, until we meet to part no more.