By Charles Igwe
On August 22, 2024, the Catholic faithful in Benin City gathered in vast numbers at the Holy Cross Cathedral to pay their final respects to Archbishop Patrick Ebosele Ekpu, a beloved Church leader whose influence has left an enduring imprint on countless lives.
In a heartfelt address, the Archbishop of Benin, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, paid tribute to Archbishop Ekpu, emphasizing his extensive contributions to the growth of the Church and Nigerian society. “No one can ever bury the over 61 years he served the Church as a priest. No one can ever bury the over 52 years he served as Bishop. No one can ever bury his numerous contributions to the growth of the Church in Nigeria,” Archbishop Akubeze affirmed.
Archbishop Akubeze praised the late prelate’s humble lifestyle, his prophetic voice, and his instrumental role in founding religious congregations and institutions. “It is impossible to bury the legacy of Ekpu who spoke little but led by example. It is impossible to bury Ekpu’s heroic life lived for more than 21 years after losing his sight, during which he never complained,” he added.
He also acknowledged Archbishop Ekpu’s unwavering dedication to the Church, stating, “While we may lay his mortal remains to rest today, the memories of a Church patriarch who, even after retiring over 18 years ago, never interfered with the diocese he governed since 1973, will remain with us forever.”
The President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, who served as the Chief Celebrant at the funeral Mass, echoed similar sentiments, describing Archbishop Ekpu as “a man of remarkable personal qualities.” He highlighted Ekpu’s visionary leadership, which saw the establishment of 80 parishes and the creation of the dioceses of Auchi and Uromi, among other significant achievements.
Archbishop Ugorji further recounted Ekpu’s commitment to the vulnerable, noting his establishment of a home for elderly homeless women and his founding of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. “Through his pastoral letters, he enlightened the faithful and guided their spiritual journey, and during his tenure, he ordained over 90 priests, significantly increasing the clergy in the Archdiocese,” Ugorji recounted.
The funeral Mass drew an overwhelming turnout of bishops, priests, religious members, lay faithful, state dignitaries, and royal fathers, all testifying to Archbishop Ekpu’s profound and lasting impact on both the Church and society. Bishop Michael Elue delivered the homily, John Cardinal Onaiyekan performed the final commendation rite, and Archbishop Akubeze concluded with the rite of committal.
