About the Archbishop
Most Reverend Augustine Obiora Akubueze was born on August 25th, 1956 in Kaduna into the humble family of Late Thomas and Angelina Akubueze of AkiliOzizor in Ogbaru LGA of Anambra State. The sixth out of eight children, his grace had formal education at the Holy trinity Catholic School, Onitsha (1965-1975), where he obtained his West African School Certificate. Following his excellent performance, he was employed by ITT Lagos where he worked for about five (5) years before he was directed by the Holy Spirit to seek admission into the seminary.
He was admitted into the Hallowed Ground of Saints Peter and Pal Major Seminary, Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State in 1980. There, he studied Philosophy, Theology and other related disciplines in preparation for his call to priesthood. Upon the successful completion of his training at the seminary, he was ordained a priest on the 3rd of October, 1987 by his lordship, Most Reverend Anthony Okonkwo Gbuji at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Issele-Uku. He was appointed to work as the Secretary and Chancellor of the Diocese of Issele-Uku soon after his ordination. During this period, his grace also worked in various parishes across the diocese.
He was sent to the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome to Study Canon Law in 1995. Two years after, he obtained a Licentiate Degree in Canon Law and by 1999 he was awarded a Doctorate Degree in Canon Law from the above named University.
After wards, he undertook a course in marriage Tribunal in Dublin, Ireland. After his return, he was appointed the Vicar General of Issele-Uku diocese as well as the Parish Priest of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. During this period, he was in charge of thhe Diocesan Marriage Tribunal, Asaba. He also was a professor at the All Saints Major Seminary, Uhiele-Ekpoma.
On the 14th of December, 2005, his grace was appointed by His Holiness, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, as the first Bishop of the Diocese of Uromi. He was consecrated and installed bishop on February 25th, 2006. Upon his Episcopal Ordination, he chose the motto “UtTestimoniumPerhibeamVeritati” (I have come to bear witness to the truth, John 18:47). This has been his grace’s driving principle in all his undertakings. He passionately and dutifully carries out his responsibilities and duties by helping develop the lives of others and their faith as well as the structures that aid their faith. He is a builder, an administrator of great reputation and a person of few words but great action. The rapid and amazing transformation the archdiocese as experienced is a testament to his person and also of the team he surrounds himself with.
On the 18th of March, 2011, His grace was appointed by his Holiness, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, as the Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Benin-City and was installed on the 28th of April, 2011. Since his appointment he has initiated so many empowerment and development programs and has been championing evangelization at the grass root levels. He has also promoted moral and doctrinal education, peace and unity as well as humility and wisdom.
He is a member of the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of Nigeria (CBCN). He was the former Chairman of Canon Law Committee of the CBCN, former member of the Administrative Board of the Catholic Bishop’s Conference. He is currently the Vice President of the Conference for the second time.
History Of the Archdiocese
The initial missionary contact was embarked upon by some Portuguese Missionaries (Catholic Priests) as early as 1486. They penetrated through Warri in the company of Portuguese traders to Ughoton. From there they moved into the ancient city of Benin, now the capital of Edo State. The Portuguese missionaries (Catholic Priests) were given letters of accreditation to the Oba of Benin.
During this period, John Alfonso d' Aveiro played a notable role in the evangelization of Benin City. He advised the Oba to become a Christian. Oba Esigie was delighted in the Christian Religion. He sent Ohen-Okun the Olokun Priest at Ughoton with John Affonso d' Aveiro as an Ambassador to the King of Portugal, asking him to send Priests who would teach him and his people the faith. In reply, the King of Portugal sent Roman Catholic Missionaries and many rich presents with an entreaty that Oba Esigie should embrace the Catholic Faith. In the course of the missionary work in Benin, Catholic Churches were built at the following locations: Ogbelaka, Idumwerie, Idunmuu- Ebo, Akpakpava and Holy Cross Road. The rectory of the Fathers then was situated between present-day Dawson Road and Oba Ovoramwen Street. There was cordial relationship between the Oba of Benin and the King of Portugal. In 1504, Oba Esigie was baptized into the Catholic Faith.
The following excerpt from a letter was written during the War by Duarte Pires on 20th October, 1516 about the situation of Benin kingdom to King Dorn Manuel: “It is quite true I am a friend of the king of Benin, because the King of Benin is a friend of all who tell him something well of your Highness. We eat with his son. When the missionaries arrived, the King of Benin was delighted. The missionaries went with the king to the war and remained for a whole year. The king could not do anything until the war was over. At the end of the year, in the month of August, the king ordered his son and two of his greatest noblemen (Uwangue and Eribo) to become Christians, and built a Church in Benin. They learnt how to read and did it very well.” By 1516 other Catholic missionaries arrived the ancient city of Benin and remained until 1693.
In 1540, Esigie made a crucifix in brass and sent it to the King of Portugal as a present. Valuable presents were sent to the Oba in return, including a copy of a Roman Catholic catechism, which was placed in the house of Iwebo, one of the palace societies. This was unfortunately destroyed when the palace was burnt by Prince Ogbebor during the civil war between Osemwede and Ogbebor in 1816. However, what appeared to have been a thriving missionary enterprise during the reign of Oba Esigie was stifled and shattered during the reign of his immediate successor.
Information on the decline of the missionary activities was received in Rome. The Sacred Congregation for the propagation of the faith assigned the task of evangelizing the territory to Spain in 1648. On this issue, Very Rev. Fr. Festus Ogbonmwan states: “information about Benin was given to the Congregation by a French Capuchin, Father Columbine of Nantes who led a French mission to West Africa between 1634 and 1640. In a letter of appeal to the Congregation, Father Columbine said among other things, the people of Benin were gentle, civilized and friendly to priests and that they lack only' the light of faith, instruction and example of true virtue.”
Father Francisco de Pamplona who visited the Congo in 1646 was another advocate of the Benin Mission. His argument was based on information received at Sao—Tome. He erroneously held that the Oba was already converted. It seemed that he mistook the Olu of Itsekiri for the Oba of Benin. On the basis of the above information, the Sacred Congregation quickly dispatched a group of twelve Spanish Capuchins to Benin with Father Angel de Valencia as the Prefect and with presents to the Oba. However, their journey to Benin was tragic because out of the twelve, three died of plague on the way and three others within six days of their arrival in Benin. When they had audience with the Oba, they found him a very accommodating and amiable person.
The activities of the Spanish missionaries fell under the reign of Oba Oreoghene about 1689. Writing about the period, Egharevba observed that the missionaries found the old mission or churches in an alarming and deplorable condition because “all the Christians with their native Father Ohensa had already lapsed into idolatry and converted the churches to juju shrines or Aruosa.” He further says that: “the emblems of Catholicism - the rosary and crucifix are still to be seen with the Ohensas of the Old Catholic churches of Akpakpava, Idumwerie till this day.”Despite the initial cordial reception accorded the Capuchins by the Oba, they could not make much success because they were faced with myriads of problems. By 1713, the last group of the Capuchins missionaries abandoned the mission.
The mission territory of Benin City was carved out of the vicariate of the Bight of Benin by a Papal Bull on May 2, 1884. Then the S.M.A. was given a special mandate for the evangelization of Benin City and other areas within and outside the territory. The territory then known as Prefecture Apostolic of Upper Niger included all of what is now regarded as Northern Nigeria.
This Prefecture underwent subsequent expansion and divisions until July 28, 1929, when the area, north of the Niger and Benue Rivers was taken from it to form the Prefecture of Northern Nigeria. Earlier, on January 29, 1929, there had been a detachment of the Vicariate Apostolic of Ondo-Ilorin. What remained then was designated the Vicariate of Asaba-Benin
With the establishment of the Hierarchy of Nigeria on April 18, 1950, it became the Diocese of Benin City, and Bishop Patrick Joseph Kelly was appointed the diocesan bishop. What later became the Diocese of Lokoja had a part of itself in Benin City Diocese. This was given to the Prefecture of Kabba on February 21, 1955. On March 10, 1964, the Diocese was divided to create the Diocese of Warri, from which the special mission of Bomadi was created. In 1973, Bishop Patrick Ebosele Ekpu was appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Benin City. On July 5, 1973 the Diocese of Issele- Uku was created.
In 1984, the Diocese celebrated its centenary. It was elevated to the status of an Archdiocese in 1994. Since its elevation, two more dioceses have been created. On December 3, 2002 the Diocese of Auchi was carved out and on December 14, 2005 Uromi Diocese was created. Most Rev. Dr. P.E. Ekpu retired on 21st of November 2006 and consequently, Rev. Fr. James Mary Okunbor then Vicar General was appointed Archdiocesan Administrator. On December 24, 2007 Most Rev. Dr. Richard Anthony Burke, SPS was appointed Archbishop of Benin City and was canonically installed on March 7, 2008. On May 31, 2010, Archbishop Richard Anthony Burke resigned. On the same May 31, 2010 Most Rev. Dr. Anthony Okonkwo Gbuji (Bishop Emeritus of Enugu Diocese) was appointed as Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Benin City. On March 18, 2011 Bishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze, Bishop of Uromi Diocese was appointed Archbishop of Benin City Archdiocese and was canonically installed on April 28, 2011.
Statistics Of the Archdiocese
| S/N | Questions | Answers | S/N | Questions | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | First Mass in the Diocese | 1480 | 27 | Quasi parishes/mass centers | 2 |
| 2 | Bight of Benin | 1884 | 28 | Outstations | 172 |
| 3 | Year Diocese was created | 1950 | 29 | Minor Seminary | 1 |
| 4 | First Missionary | Rev. Fr. Jules Poirier, SMA | 30 | School of Evangelization | 1 |
| 5 | First Bishop | Most Rev. Thomas Broderick, SMA | 31 | Institute of Ministry (Limex) | 1 |
| 6 | Second Bishop | Most Rev. Patrick Joseph Kelly, SMA | 32 | Catechetical Training Centre | 1 |
| 7 | Third Bishop | Most Rev. Dr. Patrick E. Ekpu | 33 | Catholic nursery/primary schools | 26 |
| 8 | Fourth Bishop | Most Rev. Dr. Richard Anthony Burke, SPS | 34 | Catholic secondary schools | 14 |
| 9 | Fifth Bishop | (Apostolic Administrator)Most Rev. Dr. Anthony O. Gbuji | 35 | Male Religious houses | 8 |
| 10 | Sixth Bishop | Most Rev. Dr. Augustine O. Akubeze | 36 | Female Religious houses | 21 |
| 11 | Area of Territory | 10,856,700km2 | 37 | Catholic hospital | 1 |
| 12 | Population of Diocese | 1,915,973 | 38 | Army Chaplaincies | 4 |
| 13 | Catholic Population | 145,400 | 39 | Police Chaplaincy | 4 |
| 14 | Other Christians | 975,000 | 40 | Catholic Home for the Elderly | 1 |
| 15 | Non- Christians | 795,573 | 41 | Catholic Social Centre | 1 |
| 16 | Archdiocesan Priests | 85 | 42 | Leprosarium centre (Ossiomo) | 1 |
| 17 | Fidei Donum Priests | 28 | 43 | Vocational centres | 3 |
| 18 | Deacons | 5 | 44 | Catholic social centre | 1 |
| 19 | Religious Priests | 38 | 45 | Monastery | 1 |
| 20 | Female Religious | 103 | 46 | Catechetical training centre | 1 |
| 21 | Major Seminarians | 80 | 47 | Home for retired priests | 1 |
| 22 | Minor Seminarians | 220 | 48 | Home for retired Archbishop | 1 |
| 23 | Brothers in Formation | 12 | 49 | PMS Secretariat | 1 |
| 24 | Commissioned catechists Volunteer Catechists (Religion teachers) |
260 | 50 | Inter-diocesan Tribunal | 1 |
| 25 | Deaneries | 3 | 51 | Priests on Mission/Further Studies | 8 |
| 26 | Parishes | 78 | 52 | School of Faith | 1 |
Archdiocesan Administration
Archdiocesan Administration CONTD.
| CHAIRPERSONS OF PASTORAL COMMISSIONS | ARCHDIOCESAN CURIA MEMBERS | THE PRESBYTERAL COUNCIL MEMBERS (SENATE OF PRIESTS) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Liturgical Commission – Rev. Fr. Gregory Ekhator 2. Priests Welfare Commission – Very Rev. Fr. Festus Omede 3. Mutual Relations Commission – Rev. Fr. David Ogun, SJ. 4. Seminary Commission – Rev. Fr. Anthony Ekhaisomi 5. Vocation to the Priesthood and Religious Life Comm. - Rev. Fr. Paschal Omono 6. Evangelization & Biblical Apostolate Comm. - Rev. Fr. Andrew Obinyan 7. Finance Commission - Very Rev. Fr. Paul Enow 8. Justice, Peace, Development Caritas Comm. - Very Rev. Fr. Paul Onyeoghane 9. Communications Commission - Very Rev. Fr. Stephen Okojie 10. Health and Social Welfare Commission - Rev. Fr. Brodricks Benjamin 11. Pontifical Mission Works Commission - Rev. Fr. Stephen Dumbiri 12. Youth Commission - Rev. Fr. Raphael Anoje 13. Pilgrimage Commission - Rev. Fr. Jonas Nwaiwu 14. Chaplaincies Commission - Very Rev. Fr. Richard Ofere 15. Counseling, Marriage & Family Life Comm. - Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Alfred Agbonlahor 16. Lands, Building & Projects Commission - Very Rev. Fr. Augustine Ehighe 17. History Commission - Very Rev. Fr. Patrick Osagie 18. Inculturation Commission - Rev. Fr. Gregory Ekhator 19. Education Commission - Professor Michael Ogunu 20. Catechist & Religious Education Comm. - Rev. Fr. Stephen Dumbiri 21. Dialogue & Theological Commission - Rev. Fr. Benedict Etafo 22. Legal Commission - Very Rev. Fr. Augustine Ehigie 23. Missions Commission - Rev. Fr. Dumbiri Stephen 24. General Co-ordinator of the Commissions - Very Rev. Fr. Augustine Ehigie | 1. Archbishop Augustine O. Akubeze - Chairman 2. Very Rev. Fr. Augustine Ehigie -Vicar General/Judicial Vicar 3. Very Rev. Fr. Michael Oyanoafoh -Archdiocesan Secretary/Chancellor 4. Very Rev. Fr. Patrick Osagie - Episcopal Vicar for Politics 5. Very Rev. Fr. Edwin Omorogbe -Dean, Benin City Deanery 6. Very Rev. Fr. Felix Igbineweka -Dean, Iguobazuwa Deanery 7. Very Rev. Fr. Festus Omede -Cathedral Administrator/Episcopal Vicar for Priests 8. Very Rev. Fr. Brodricks Benjamin – Dean of Abudu Deanery 9. Very Rev. Fr. Richard Ofere -Episcopal Vicar for Laity 10. Very Rev. Fr. Paul Enow -Archdiocesan Financial Administrator 11. Very Rev. Fr. Okojie Stephen - Director of Communication 12. Very Rev. Fr. Paul Onyeoghane - Director of JDPC 13. Very Rev. Fr. David Ogun, SJ -Episcopal Vicar for Religious 14. Rev. Fr. Andrew Obinyan -Episcopal Vicar for Evangelization 15. Rev. Fr. Anthony Ekhaisomi -Episcopal Vicar of Education 16. Rev. Fr. Stephen Dumbiri - Director of PMS 17. Very Rev. Fr. Paschal Omono -Vocations Director 18. Very Rev. Fr. John Adesotu – Archbishop’s Personal Secretary | 1. Most Rev. Dr. Augustine O. Akubeze 2. Very Rev. Fr. Augustine Ehigie 3. Very Rev. Fr. Edwin Omorogbe 4. Rt Rev. Msgr. Paul Emoyon 5. Very Rev. Fr. Michael Oyanoafoh 6. Very Rev. Fr. Paul Enow 7. Very Rev. Fr. Andrew Obinyan 8. Very Rev. Fr. Felix Igbineweka 9. Very Rev. Fr. Festus Omede 10. Very Rev. Fr. Salami Thomas 11. Very Rev. Fr. Paul Onyeoghane 12. Very Rev. Fr. Stephen Okojie (Secretary) 13. Very Rev Fr. Richard Ofere 14. Very Rev Fr. David Ogun 15. Very Rev. Fr. Patrick Osagie 16. Very Rev. Fr. Isaac Ebeigbe 17. Rev. Fr. Gregory Ekhator 18. Rev. Fr. Brodricks Benjamin 19. Rev. Fr. Anthony Ekhaisomi 20. Rev. Fr. Palmer Ikponmwosa 21. Rev. Fr. Jude Egbuna 22. Rev. Fr. Dumbiri Stephen 23. Rev. Fr. Jerome Idebe 24. Rev. Fr. Anselm Okafor 25. Rev Fr. Benendict Onwugbenu 26. Rev. Fr. John Adesotu |
| ARCHDIOCESAN FINANCE COUNCIL | EPISCOPAL VICARS | ARCHDIOCESAN LAND AND DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL |
| 1. Most Rev. Dr. Augustine O. Akubeze - President 2. Very Rev. Fr. Paul Enow - Financial Administrator 3. Very Rev. Fr. Michael Oyanoafoh - Archdiocesan Secretary/Chancellor 4. Very Rev. Fr. Augustine Ehigie - Vicar General 5. Very Rev. Fr. Festus Omede - Vicar for Priests 6. Rev. Fr. Francis Ochonogor - Member 7. Engr. D B Uduehi - Administrator 8. Mr. Mike Enaboifo - Chartered Accountant 9. Mr. Rufus Ikharebhore - Chartered Accountant 10. Mrs. I. E. Uzorka - Banker 11. Mr. Polycarp Oguekhian - Account Clerk 12. Barr. F. Orbih (SAN) - Legal Adviser 13. Mr. Augustine Enodiana - Administrative Secretary | 1. Episcopal Vicar for Priests - Very Rev. Fr. Festus Omede 2. Episcopal Vicar for Religious - Very Rev. Fr. David Ogun, SJ 3. Episcopal Vicar for Laity -Very Rev. Fr. Richard Ofere 4. Episcopal Vicar for Evangelization - Very Rev. Fr. Andrew Obinyan 5. Episcopal Vicar for Education -Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Ekhaisomi 6. Episcopal Vicar for Politics – Very Rev. Fr. Patrick Osagie 7. Archdiocesan Judicial Vicar -Very Rev. Fr. Augustine Ehigie | 1. Most Rev. Dr. Augustine O. Akubeze - Chairman 2. Very Rev. Fr. Augustine Ehigie - Vicar General 3. Very Rev. Fr. Michael Oyanoafoh 4. Engr. A. A. Ikheloa 5. Mr. M. E. Otaigbe J.P 6. Surv. E. O. Ezekial 7. Arch. A.O. Momoh 8. Barr. Bern Omo-Akhigbe 9. Barr. Sir. P. A. Eromosele 10. Prince J. E. Iduozee 11. Mr. C. O. Akpabor 12. Engr. E. J. S. Uujamhan 13. Barr. F. Orbih (SAN) 14. Mr. G. Osayande | VOCATION/EVALUATION TEAM | COLLEGE OF CONSULTORS | DEANERIES AND THEIR DEANS |
| 1. Most Rev. Dr. Augustine O. Akubeze - Chairman 2. Very Rev. Fr. Augustine Ehigie - Vicar General 3. Very Rev. Fr. F. Omede - Vicar for Priests 4. Very Rev. Fr. M. Oyanoafoh - Secretary/Chancellor 5. Rev. Fr. A. Ekhaisomi - Seminary Commission 6. Rev. Fr. Paschal Omono - Assistant Vocations’ Director | 1. Very Rev. Fr. Augustine Ehigie 2. Very Rev. Fr. Felix Igbineweka 3. Very Rev. Fr. Festus Omede 4. Very Rev. Fr. Paul Enow 5. Very Rev. Fr. Salami Thomas 6. Very Rev. Fr. Paul Onyeoghane 7. Very Rev. Fr. Stephen Okojie 8. Very Rev. Fr. Michael Oyanoafoh 9. Very Rev. Fr. Benjamin Brodricks 10. Very Rev. Fr. Patrick Osagie 11.Very Rev. Fr. David Ogun, SJ | 1. Abudu Deanery - Very Rev. Fr. Brodricks Benjamin 2. Benin City Deanery - Very Rev. Fr. Edwin Omoregbe 3. Iguobazuwa Deanery - Very Rev. Fr. Felix Igbineweka |
Archdiocesan Pastoral Council
Archdiocesan Pastoral Council CONTD.
| MUTUAL RELATIONS COMMISSION | SEMINARY COMMISSION | VOCATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD AND RELIGIOUS LIFE COMMISSION |
|---|---|---|
| Rev Fr David Ogun, SJ - Chairman Rev Fr Adolphus Umechukwu Dr. Mrs. A.O. Clark Sr. P. Ada, OLA Mrs. Judith Oshomegie Rev Sr. C. Ihekoronze SSH Mrs. Theresa Braimah Sr. Blandina Ryan, MMM Mrs. Regina Aya Mother A. Nwulu DMMM Barr. Chris Inegbezele Mrs. Akpan Chevelier Engr Dr Joe Uujamhan | Rev Fr. Anthony Ekhaisomi - Chairman Very Rev. Fr. Benedict Etafo Rev. Fr. Paschal Omono Mrs. J. Uzzi Sir. Dr. A. A. Ihenyen KSJ Sir Sylvester Egbase KSJ Mr. Alex Izudu Mr. David O. Esizimetor Sr. Christabel Mashuka, OLA Sr. Justine N. Nwankwo, SSH Mr. John Elojie, KSM Mrs G.E. Edosa Mr Iyagbaye | Very Rev Fr Paschal Omono - Chairman Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Ekhaisomi Very Rev. Fr. Michael Oyanoafoh Rev Fr. Patrick Osuide Rev. Fr. Stephen Dumbiri Rev. Fr. Jerome Idebe |
| FINANCE COMMISSION | JUSTICE, DEVELOPMENT, PEACE AND CARITAS COMMISSION | COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION |
| Very Rev. Fr. Paul Enow - Chairman Rev. Fr. Francis Ochonogor Very Rev. Fr. Richard Ofere Rev. Fr. Raphael Anoje Mr. Anthony Anirah - Secretary Mrs. H. O. Irusota Mr. M. I. Enaboifo Mr. S. A. Ediae Mr. S. E. Amengialue Mr. Emmanuel Okwechime Mr. Solomon Aizoba Mr. Romanus Ebuehi Mrs. I. E. Uzorka Mr. Lawrence Odiase Prof. Linus Ndiokwere Dr. Lionel Ihenyen Dr. J. R. Iyasere Mr. A. F. Jarett Mrs. C. Odia Mr. S. O. Okunzuwa Mrs. M. E. O. Enosealase Mrs Philo Ojebubuoh | Very Rev. Fr. Paul Onyeoghane - Chairman Rev. Fr. Stephen Dumbiri - Asst. Chairman Sir. Best H. Iriabe Hon. Mrs. Patience Adamu Com. Patrick Omoruan Barr. Thomas E. Ulinfoh Mrs Row Okiabhse Sir. Stephen Itua Mrs. Christ Omusi Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye Barr. Irusota B. O Dr. Mrs. Henrientta Agun Mrs. P. U. Akpata Sr. Francisca Madubuko Catechist Orlu Onyema, Ksp Mr. Augustine Iwu Dr. Eric Okojie, Esq Mr. Samson Abebe P. A. Eromonsele Mr. Patrick D. Okoh | Very Rev. Fr. Stephen Okojie - Chairman Prof Enobakhare (KSM) Dr. Eddy Eriagbe (KSM) Mrs. Helen Ebueku Mrs. Patience Ono-Ebosele Mr. Mike Osunde Mr. Julius Enaburekhan Mr. Zack Orhue (KSJI) Mr. Fred Braimah Bernadette Idalu Mrs. Flora Bossey Rev. Fr. Jude Orah |
| HEALTH AND SOCIAL WELFARE COMMISSION | PONTIFICAL MISSIONARY WORKS COMMISSION | ARCHDIOCESAN YOUTH COMMISSION |
| Rev. Fr. Benjamin Brodricks - Chairman Sr. Angela Abhulimen, SSH Rev. Mother Asumpta Nwulu, DMMM Chief (Dr.) Ighedosa Dr. (Mrs.) V. C. U. Idoh Dr. (Mrs.) Olabisi Ihenyen Mr. Jamesmary Ogbonna Mrs. Marilyn Abuma Mr. Emmanuel Odemwingie Sir Steve O. Omoijuanfo, KSJI JP. Mrs. P. N. Ofulue Mrs Anthonia Osemwingie Dr Peter Egbon Dr. Enomayo Dr. Okponmwan Mrs. Orukpe Mrs. Osula | Rev. Fr. Stephen Dumbiri - Chairman Sr. Mary Angela, DCF Catechist Fidelis Ogwu Rev. Fr. Augustine Obaze Rev. Fr. Paschal Omono Rev Fr. Benedict Onwugbenu Chief (Dr.) Mrs. Stephanie Ighedosa Prof. (Sir) A. C. Ugwu, KSJI Dr. (Lady) E. N. Ugwu, KSJI Mrs. F. N. Ofuani, LSM Lady A. O. Adagbasa Mr. Nelson Ogowewo Sir. Samuel Enebe, KSP Mrs. Patricia Enebe,KSP Mrs. Felicia I. Egbase, KSJI Mrs. Elizabeth Nyamali Sr. Maria Flavia Nnasolu, DMMM Mrs. Rosalyn Okoobo Catechist Fidelis Ogwu Sir. Angela Otuonye Sir. G. O. J. Agbi, KSJI Sir. M. E. Emiantor, KSM Dame Felicia Longe, KSG, KSP Catechist John Inope Catechist Anthony Akhogba Prof G.O Anoliefoh | Rev. Fr. Francis Ochonogor, Rev Fr Alphonsus E. Ahiaegbe, Mr. Ifeanyi Akpe, Mr. James Urhere Mr. Nats Tete, Mr. Mark Ijaye, Mr. Felix Igbeneghu, Miss Margaret Abugeh, Miss Mary Uzor, Sr. Imelda Chukwuezi, SSH, Sr. Legunsen Roseline, OLA, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, Chief (Mrs) R.A. Eborge, Mr. Edwin Erhunmun |
| PILGRIMAGE COMMISSION | CHAPLAINCY COMMISSION | POLITICS COMMISSION |
| Rev. Fr. Jonas Nwaiwu - Chairman, Dr. Peter Egbon, Mrs. Helen Okoeguale, Sr. Marilyn Oboh, SSH, Mr. Emmanuel Ezella, Mrs. R. Ighade, Barr. Patricia Iyomon, Dr. R. Amadasun, Mr. Emma Onimhawo, Mr. Edwin Ofoegba, Mr. Thompson Erhomonsele | Very Rev. Fr. Richard Ofere - Chairman, Rev. Fr. Jude Egbuna, Rev. Fr. Mark Ebosele, Rev. Fr. Cletus Omijie, Sr. Jovita Ochi, SSH, Sr. Justice Nwankwo, SSH | Very Rev. Fr. Patrick Osagie, Very Rev. Fr. Paul Onyeoghane, Mr. Mike Orobator, Barr. Ben Omo-Akhigbe, Dr. John Ogbeide, Mr. Chris Akhimien, Dr. (Mrs.) Henrietta Agun, Dr. Joseph Osagie, Lady Ogiefa, Barr Ogbeide-Ihama, Sir. D. D. O. Eraga, Sr. Gloria Itebalumhen, SSH | COUNSELLING, MARRIAGE AND FAMILY LIFE COMMISSION | LANDS, BUILDING AND PROJECT COMMISSION | HISTORY COMMISSION |
| Rev. Fr. Alfred Agbonlahor (Chairman) , Very Rev. Fr. David Ogun, SJ, Mother Asumpta Nwulu, DMMM, Lady Dorothy Ikheloa, Sr. Margaret Mary Okereke, SSH, Catechist Cyril O. Onyem, Fidelis Okhuegbe (Secretary), Barr. Osuide | Very Rev. Fr. Augustine Ehigie (Chairman), Surveyor Osayande Godwin, Surveyor Osazuwa J. A, Barrister Eric Okojie, Mr. Best Iriabe, Mr. Augustine Evbomwan, Barrister P. A. Eromosele, Mr. Rufus Oyebanji, Mr Michael Aigbedion | Very Rev. Fr. Isaac Ebeigbe (Chairman), Rev. Fr. Alphonsus E. Ahiaegbe, Rev. Fr. James Chima, Dr. J. Osagie, Sr. Caroline Fada, SSH, Prof. E. Erhagbe |
| INCULTURATION COMMISSION | PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMISSION | EDUCATION COMMISSION |
| Rev. Fr. Gregory Ekhator (Chairman), Fr. Emmanuel Oviasogie, Fr. Christopher Okankan, Sir A. I. Obahiagbon KSJI, Mr Osarumwense Anthony, Mr J. Ehigie, Mrs Idumwonyi Y, Mr Ehigiamusoe J., Sir Anagbare KSJI, Mr Omoregbe M. E, Mrs Odiase P.I, Mr Humphrey Ehigie, Obiriki R.O | Very Rev. Fr. Stephen Okojie (Chairman), Mr. Victor Osarenren, Sir. Humphrey Iriabe, Mr. Emmanuel Egharevba, Mr. Mike Osunde, Engr. Paul Ero, Mr. Jamesmary Ogbona, Mr. Edward Emwanta, Mr. Martin Iyinbor, Sr. Jovita Ochi, SSH, Sr. Baridi Didi, DC | Prof. Michael Ogunu (Chairman), Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Ekhaisomi (Vicar & Executive Secretary), Catechist Cyril Onyema KSP, Dr. Mrs. Josephine Chika Ifedili, Sr Elizabeth Uchendu, Sr. Esther Edeko, Sr. Christy Ikegwu, Sr. Martina Fosudo, Catechist Angela Ojobo, Mrs K.E Eghareuba |
| CATECHETICS AND RELIGIOUS EDUCATION COMMISSION | DIALOGUE AND THEOLOGICAL COMMISSION | INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE BENIN CITY PROVINCE DIRECTORS |
| Rev. Fr. Stephen Dumbiri. – Chairman, Very Rev. Fr. Stephen Okojie, Rev. Fr. Gregory Ekhator, Rev. Fr. Anthony Ekhaisomi, Rev. Fr. Fidelis lmhalen, Rev. Fr. Joseph Ediae, Sr. Joy Gertrude Okonkwo, OLA, Catechist Cyril Onyema, KSP, Catechist Edwin Jerome-Asogwa, Catechist Daniel Igbindion, Catechist Christopher Egualeona, Catechist Andrew Amenaghwon, Catechist Joseph Aiyakhaire, Catechist Angela Ojobo, Mrs. Ojo, Mrs. B. E. Age-Matins, Sir Lary Omokpor, Barr. Okojie, Rev. Fr. Paschal Omono | Very Rev. Fr. Benedict Etafo (Chairman), Rev. Fr. Patrick Osuide, Rev. Fr. John Ograh (Secretary), Rev. Fr. Anthony Ekhaisomi, Rev. Fr. Stephen Dumbiri | 1. Very Fr. Richard Ofere (Benin City Coordinator) 08023412319/08035009362 2 Fr. S. Gominah (Auchi Diocese Director) 08055964377 3. Fr. Joseph Opelema (Bomadi Director) 08036666804 4. Fr. Victor Ofili (Isele-uku Director) 08052272107 5. Fr. Emmanuel Okogwa (Uromi Director) 08023460173/08100058521 6. Fr. Jude Igho (Warri Director) 08037182542/08024592818 |
| COMMITTEE ON INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE – ARCHDIOCESE OF BENIN CITY | LEGAL COMMISSION | MISSION COMMISSION |
| 1. Very Rev. Fr. Richard Ofere (Director) 2. Very Rev. Fr. Paul Onyeoghane (Member) 3. Sr. Samuel Therese Nwolisa D.M.M.M (Secretary) 4. Mr. Humphrey Best Iriabe (Member) 5. Mr. A. C. Aligbe (Member) | Very Rev Fr Augustine Ehigie (Chairman), Mr. Ediae A. Solomon, KSM, Barr. Mrs Dorothy Ihaza, Sir Atughara KSJI, Very Rev. Fr. Thomas Y. Salami, Mr J.E Iduozee, Catechist Edwin Jerome-Asogwa, Hon Justice P.O Isibor, Barr. Eric Okojie, Barr. Ferdinand Orbih, Barr. P.A Eromosele, Sir. (Barr) Adams Aliu, Barr. Sylvester Ojubiaza, Barr. Paul Ebuehi | Rev. Fr. Dumbiri Stephen (Chairman), Very Rev. Fr. Festus Omede, Mr. Chris Okojie, Dame F. Longe, Sr. A. Ojo, Mrs. Ede Uwaifo, Mr. Osayande Gabriel, Mr. Best Iriabe, Sir. Donald Egbagbe (KSP), Lady Dorothy Ikheloa (LSM), Hon, Mrs. Mary Iyengumwena, Mr. Frank Asibor, Sr. Justina Alemogho, SSH, Lady M. Cole, Rev. Fr. Peter Achuonye, OFM CAP |
| GENERAL CO-ORDINATOR OF THE COMMISSIONS | EVANGELIZATION AND BIBLICAL APOSTOLATE COMMISSION | COMMITTEE ON ABUSE OF MINORS AND VULNERABLE ADULTS |
| Very Rev. Fr. Augustine Ehigie | Rev. Fr. Andrew Obinyan - Vicar/Chairman Rev. Fr. Augustine Eleke – Vice Chairman Rev. Fr. Jude Ezenwa Rev. Fr. Mattew Akase Osas Sr. Roseline Isiocha Ehj Mr. Osakpanmwan Ebenezer Sir Sylvester Egbase KSJ Dr. Mrs Esohe Ilori Mrs. Christy Ajabor Rev. Fr. David Ogun, SJ Barr. Chinyelo Ezeilo Catechist Angela Ojobor Mr. Best Iriabe Jude Ehbonuaye Mrs. Phil Omoregie | Very Rev. Fr. David Ogun (Chairman) |