Pope Leo XIV Appoints Bishop Donatus Ogun As Apostolic Administrator Of Benin Archdiocese

The Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, has appointed the Most Rev. Donatus Ogun, O.S.A., Bishop of Uromi, as Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Benin City.

The appointment follows the death of the late Archbishop, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, and will subsist pending the appointment of a new substantive Archbishop for the Archdiocese.

In an announcement released by the Vatican, the Pope entrusted Bishop Ogun with the pastoral care and administration of the Archdiocese of Benin City, one of the oldest Catholic Sees in Nigeria.

As Apostolic Administrator, Bishop Ogun will oversee the spiritual and temporal affairs of the Archdiocese until a new Archbishop is named.

The Catholic faithful across Edo State and beyond have received the news with prayers and assurances of support for the Bishop during this transition period.

The Catholic faithful congratulated Bishop Donatus Ogun on the new ecclesial responsibility and pledged their prayers for him.

“We assure him of our prayers as he takes on this important assignment. We also continue to pray for the repose of the soul of Archbishop Akubeze and for the clergy, religious and faithful of the Archdiocese of Benin City during this time of transition.”

The late Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze was remembered for his decades of service to the Church in Nigeria, including his tenure as President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, CBCN.

He was widely respected for his commitment to evangelization, interfaith dialogue, and pastoral leadership.

The faithful were urged to pray for Bishop Ogun as he assumes leadership of the Archdiocese.

“May the Lord grant Bishop Donatus wisdom, strength and abundant grace as he shepherds the Archdiocese entrusted to his care,” the message concluded.

Most Rev. Donatus Ogun is a member of the Order of Saint Augustine. He has served as Bishop of Uromi Diocese since 2014. He is known for his pastoral zeal, commitment to priestly formation, and dedication to peace and unity in his diocese.

The Archdiocese of Benin City covers a large Catholic population in Edo State and has produced several prominent bishops and church leaders in Nigeria.