Onitsha Archishop Obiefuna is dead

Posted by admin Anambra, Headlines, State News Thursday, May 12th, 2011

The former Archbishop and the Metropolitan of the Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, Most Revd Dr. Albert Obiefuna has passed on after a protracted illness. Daily Sun gathered that Archbishop Obiefuna died yesterday in an undisclosed hospital after battling with cancer for so many years after his retirement as the Archbishop of Onitsha Arch Diocese.

Though there was no official statement from the Archbishop of Onitsha Arch Diocese, Most Revd Dr. Val Okeke, a source who pleaded anonymity confirmed the death, adding that the Arch Diocese was in a mourning mood over the demise of their father. Meanwhile, reacting to the death of the former Archbishop, Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi described it as difficult to believe, adding that the deceased symbolized the unity of the church in the state.

“He lived cheerfully with this disabling condition as if it was nothing. In any case, good men do not die. They live on in the bosom of the Lord and in our hearts. He was a priest par excellence who bore witness to the gospel with fearlessness and selflessness. As the founding Bishop of Awka Diocese, late Albert Obiefuna left no stone unturned toward evangelizing the remote communities and inaccessible parts of the diocese. His efforts were blessed and vocations soon boomed in the young diocese. My heart goes out, especially to all those for whom he was a model and source of inspiration.”

The member representing Anaocha/Dunukofia/Njikoka Federal Constituency, Mrs Uche Ekwunife also expressed shock over the news of the death of the Archbishop , describing it as a great lose to the people of the state. Mrs Ekwunife described the late Obiefuna as a man whose dedication to God’s vineyard was total, adding that he liveda life worthy of emulation and called on God to grant him and the saints eternal rest.

-Sunwp_posts