The Catholic Church in Nigeria is mourning the death of Most Rev. Francis Emmanuel Ogbonnia Okobo, the Bishop Emeritus of the Nsukka Catholic Diocese, who passed away at the age of 89.
His death was confirmed in a statement released on Friday by the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, which said he died at the Niger Foundation Hospital in Enugu.
“It is with total submission to the will of Almighty God and steadfast hope in the resurrection of the dead, that the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria announces the passing to eternal glory of Most Rev. Francis Emmanuel Ogbonnia Okobo,” the statement read.
Born on November 4, 1936, Bishop Okobo was ordained a Catholic priest on June 4, 1966.
He was appointed bishop of the newly created Nsukka Diocese on November 19, 1990, and was consecrated bishop on January 6, 1991.
He served in that role for over two decades before retiring on April 13, 2013.
The Catholic Secretariat noted that details about his funeral arrangements and liturgical services will be announced soon.
“We invite the faithful to commend his soul to the merciful embrace of our Lord. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.”
