Pope Leo XIV has designated Most Rev. Donatus Ogun, O.S.A., who currently serves as the Bishop of Uromi, to act as the Apostolic Administrator for the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City. This interim leadership role is necessary following the passing of Metropolitan Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze.
Official documentation regarding this change was sent on July 10, 2026, by the Apostolic Nunciature in Nigeria to Rev. Fr. Michael Oyanoafoh, the Archdiocese Chancellor. Archbishop Michael F. Crotty signed the correspondence, confirming that the Dicastery for Evangelization authorized the appointment under the authority of the Pope to maintain administrative continuity.
The assignment is active immediately, and church leadership in Benin City has been instructed to inform all clergy members. While the Vatican begins the formal selection process for a permanent successor, Bishop Ogun will oversee the governance of the Archdiocese. Archbishop Crotty also conveyed his sympathies to the local community, promising his support as they mourn the loss of Archbishop Akubeze.
