Okpebholo hails Archbishop Akubeze’s 20yrs of episcopal service

… Links leadership journey to spiritual guidance

BENIN CITY – Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has credited part of his leadership journey and political resilience to the spiritual guidance and prayers of the Catholic Archbishop of Benin City, Most Rev. Dr Augustine Obiora Akubeze, as the cleric marked his 20th Episcopal Anniversary.

Speaking at the thanksgiving ceremony held in his honour, Governor Okpebholo described his first encounter with the Archbishop as a defining moment that shaped his resolve and direction in public service.

“To me, it is a special day. The first day I met him, I saw the glory of God upon his life. I knew, by the time I knelt before him, that I was going to conquer,” the Governor said.

He recounted that he had specifically sought the Archbishop’s prayers at a critical point in his political journey, especially as he prepared to confront insecurity and cultism in the state.

“I requested a prayer from him. I said I was going to fight cultism and work for Edo people. I needed him to pray for me so that God would give me the strength. Today, I am happy that everything I requested has been answered by God,” Okpebholo added.

The Governor said Archbishop Akubeze’s spiritual counsel had provided strength and clarity in governance, stressing that the anniversary was not only a celebration of years of service but also of enduring moral influence and mentorship.

“This is 20 years, and we are still expecting more years to come,” he said.

The thanksgiving service, held on Wednesday at St Paul Catholic Church, attracted a wide array of dignitaries, religious leaders, and political figures from within and outside Edo State.

Among those present were the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion; former Edo State Governor, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; former Deputy Governor, Hon. Philip Shaibu and APC State Deputy Chairman, Sylvester Aigboboh.

Archbishop Akubeze’s two decades of episcopal leadership were highlighted as a period marked by spiritual growth, peace-building, and moral influence within society, with speakers noting his role in shaping leadership values beyond the pulpit.

In a separate congratulatory message earlier, Governor Okpebholo described the milestone as a testament to the Archbishop’s unwavering commitment to faith, service, and moral leadership since his episcopal consecration in 2006.

He noted that Archbishop Akubeze, who previously served as pioneer Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Uromi before his elevation in 2011 as Metropolitan Archbishop of Benin City, had provided consistent spiritual leadership and institutional stability.

According to the Governor, the Archbishop’s episcopal motto, “Ut Testimonium Perhibeam Veritati” — “to bear witness to the truth” — reflects a ministry grounded in integrity, discipline, and service to humanity.

He further described the cleric as a steady moral voice whose influence has strengthened social cohesion and inspired both leaders and citizens across Edo State.

Governor Okpebholo joined the Catholic faithful and the wider Christian community in celebrating Archbishop Akubeze, praying for continued strength, wisdom, and good health in his service to the Church and society.