Archbishop Akubeze, Dim Godwin Ndukah lived lives of faith, integrity, service – OAU President

Mercy Iheoma Ihedigbo

President, Organization of African Unity (OAU), South Carolina, Grand Knight Emeritus, Sir Tonna Okei (Ikuku Oma), has expressed deep grief over the passing of the late Catholic Archbishop of Benin City, Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze, and renowned community leader, Dim Godwin Chukwuemeka Ndukah, describing their deaths as a painful loss to their families, the Church, Nigeria and humanity.

In a condolence message issued on behalf of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), South Carolina, Sir Okei said the two distinguished Nigerians lived exemplary lives marked by faith, integrity, courage and selfless service, leaving behind enduring legacies that would continue to inspire generations.

Paying glowing tribute to the late Archbishop Akubeze, Sir Okei described him as an exceptional spiritual leader whose ministry was defined by humility, compassion, unwavering commitment to the Gospel and fearless defence of truth.

According to him, Archbishop Akubeze dedicated his entire priestly and episcopal ministry to the service of God and humanity, beginning from his ordination as a priest in 1987 through his appointment as the first Bishop of Uromi and later as Archbishop of Benin City.

He noted that throughout his ministry, the late prelate remained steadfast in promoting justice, peace, religious freedom and national unity while strengthening the faith of countless Catholics across Nigeria.

Sir Okei particularly praised Archbishop Akubeze’s leadership as President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), saying he provided courageous and principled leadership during one of Nigeria’s most challenging periods marked by insecurity, political uncertainty and social tensions.

He said the late Archbishop consistently spoke for the oppressed, defended human dignity and advocated good governance while remaining a moral voice respected across religious and political divides.

“The Church has lost a faithful servant, Nigeria has lost a respected moral voice, and Africa has lost one of her finest sons.

His episcopal motto, Ut Testimonium Perhibeam Veritati—’That I may bear testimony to the truth’—was not merely a slogan but the very foundation upon which he built his remarkable ministry.

His legacy of humility, wisdom, compassion and fearless witness to truth will continue to inspire generations,” Sir Okei stated.

The OAU President also paid heartfelt tribute to the late Dim Godwin Chukwuemeka Ndukah, the Ozodiugwu of Akpo in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, describing him as an accomplished entrepreneur, respected traditional title holder, devoted family man and community builder whose life exemplified perseverance, integrity and unwavering faith in God.

Sir Okei recalled that despite losing his father before birth, the late Dim Ndukah overcame enormous challenges through hard work, discipline and determination, rising from humble beginnings to become a successful businessman and respected elder statesman.

He noted that the deceased first distinguished himself while working with FMO Obi & Company, where his honesty, diligence and commitment earned him the admiration and confidence of his employers before he ventured into business after the Nigerian Civil War.

According to Sir Okei, beyond his business achievements, Dim Ndukah’s greatest legacy remains the strong family he built with his wife, Victoria Osilukpon Ndukah, and the values of discipline, love, faith and service which he instilled in his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He also praised the late traditional ruler for ensuring that two of his accomplished sons, despite their successful careers abroad, remained connected to their roots by taking traditional chieftaincy titles in Akpo, thereby preserving their cultural heritage.

“His life reminds us that true greatness is measured not by material possessions but by the lives we touch, the integrity we uphold and the legacy of love we leave behind. His kindness, generosity, wisdom and quiet strength made him a father figure to many beyond his immediate family,” Sir Okei added.

The OAU President urged Africans both at home and in the diaspora to honour the memories of Archbishop Akubeze and Dim Ndukah by embracing the virtues they embodied throughout their lives, including faith, honesty, humility, courage, compassion, integrity and commitment to the common good.

“As we mourn these two remarkable sons of Africa, we also celebrate lives that were richly lived in service to God and humanity. Though death has taken them from our sight, their exemplary works, enduring legacies and the countless lives they transformed will forever remain written in the hearts of those they served,” he said.

On behalf of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), South Carolina, Sir Okei extended condolences to the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, the clergy, religious and lay faithful, praying that God grants Archbishop Akubeze eternal rest.

He also conveyed heartfelt sympathies on behalf of the House of Okei, the Chiejiles, the Organization of African Unity (OAU), South Carolina, UBAANA, ANPA, the Nigerian Community and the African Catholic Association of St. John Neumann to Barrister Mrs. Ngozi Ezeihuaku and the entire Ndukah family over the death of their patriarch.

He prayed that Almighty God grant the late Dim Godwin Chukwuemeka Ndukah eternal rest and comfort his family with the strength and peace of the Holy Spirit during this difficult period.