Francis Okobo: Catholic Church Thrown into Mourning As Founding Bishop of Nsukka Diocese Dies
- The Bishop Emeritus of Nsukka Catholic Diocese, Most Reverend Francis Okobo, has reportedly passed away at the age of 89
- The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria announced his death in a statement issued on Friday, August 29, revealing that the bishop gave up the ghost at a hospital in Enugu state
- Reports revealed that Okobo was ordained a priest on June 4, 1966, and was appointed Bishop of Nsukka diocese on November 19, 1990
Don't miss out! Join Legit.ng's Sports News channel on WhatsApp now!
Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.
The Bishop Emeritus of Nsukka Catholic Diocese, Most Reverend Francis Okobo, is dead.
Source: Facebook
The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, in a statement issued on Friday, August 29, indicated that Okobo died at the Niger Foundation Hospital, Enugu state.
He died at the age of 89.
“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 partly read.
Details of funeral rites emerge
The statement also noted that details regarding the funeral arrangements and related liturgical observances will be communicated in due course.
“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,” the statement added.
Source: Facebook
Who is Bishop Francis Okobo?
As reported by The Punch, Okobo was born on November 4, 1936.
He was ordained a priest on June 4, 1966 and was appointed Bishop of Nsukka diocese on November 19, 1990.
He was ordained bishop of Nsukka diocese on January 6, 1991 and retired as bishop on April 13, 2013.
Pope Francis dies at 88
In a similar development, Legit.ng reported that after surviving a serious bout of double pneumonia, Pope Francis, head of the Catholic church, died at the age of 88.
The Vatican announced his death in a statement released on Easter Monday, signed by Cardinal Kevin Farrell.
On Easter Sunday, the pope was reportedly pictured greeting a crowd from the gallery of St Peter’s Basilica after celebrating Mass with the faithful.
Nigerian pastor, Azzaman dies
In a related development, Legit.ng reported that prominent Kaduna-based pastor and the leading pastor of the King Worship Chapel and Ministry, Kaduna, Azzaman David, has passed away.
Azzaman reportedly died in a motor accident on Saturday, May 24, while returning from Makurdi, Benue state, to his Kaduna base.
Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in the 19 northern states and the FCT Abuja, John Joseph Hayab, confirmed the sad news.
Catholic priest slumps, dies while playing tennis
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the Catholic Diocese of Awka in Anambra state was thrown into mourning following the death of a priest.
Reverend Father Anthony Udogu slumped and died while playing lawn tennis on Monday, May 19, 2025.
The Diocesan Chancellor, Rev Fr Charles Ndubuisi, announced the tragic incident, stating that funeral arrangements will be announced soon.
Bishop trying to settle fighting couple stabbed to death
Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that Bishop Shina Olaribigbe, the founder of Rapture Empowerment International, was fatally stabbed while mediating a domestic dispute in Osogbo, Osun state.
The estranged husband, accusing the bishop of overstepping boundaries, allegedly stabbed him in a fit of rage.
Church members mourned the loss of Bishop Olaribigbe, known for his peace-building efforts, as investigations continue.
Source: Legit.ng
