Reinstated deputy governor of Edo State, Phillip Shaibu has condoled with Archbishop Augustine Akubueze over the passing of Emeritus Archbishop of Benin City Archdiocese, Archbishop Patrick Ebosele Ekpu, describing him as an accomplished Archbishop.
Shaibu, who paid glowing tributes to the memory of the late Archbishop Ekpu, said his contributions to the Catholic church in Edo State and Nigeria are worthy of celebration. He added that he was instrumental in establishing Catholic dioceses, schools, and hospitals.
Shaibu, who was accompanied on the visit by some of his staff, said, “As Catholics, we all know the history of the late Archbishop Patrick Ekpu Ebosele. I grew up to know him. He was an accomplished Archbishop, and under his watch, we saw the creation of the archdiocese. He was also instrumental to the establishment of Lumen Christen Catholic School, Brother Pius Primary School, and St. Philomema Hospital.
“We are celebrating him because we can physically see how he impacted the Catholic Church and the country. Even though we are saddened, we are celebrating his longevity and his accomplishment while on earth. It is customary not just as a deputy governor but as a Catholic to pay our condolences to mourn and celebrate him and his life at 92.”
Most Reverend Augustine Akubueze who received the deputy governor at his court thanked him for the visit and noted that Ekpu until his death was the oldest Bishop in Nigeria.
“We thank God for giving him to us and using him to be a blessing to Auchi and Uromi diocese . We pray that God will give us the grace and wherewithal to give him a befitting burial.”
