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The Correspondent of RECOWACERAO NEWS AGENCY, RECONA based in Lagos, the commercial capital of Nigeria, has reported that the Catholic Diocese of Auchi in faraway Nigeria, one of the frontline country members of RECOWA-CERAO has announced the passing away of Msgr. Thomas Oleghe, died last Sunday at the age of 104 in Auchi, Etsako West local government area of Edo State.

In a terse statement made available to our Lagos based Correspondent and signed by the Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Gabriel Dunia said that Oleghe was the oldest Catholic Priest in Nigeria nay West Africa, adding that the church had resolved to hold a funeral service for him on Wednesday.

The statement read, “With gratitude to God for a life well lived on earth, I hereby inform you of the passage of the Rt. Rev. Msgr. Thomas Oleghe, the oldest Catholic Priest in Nigeria today, to the great Beyond at about 2.30 am this morning on the 24th of November, 2024. He is of the Diocese of Auchi.

“He died at the age of 104. May his lovely and gentle soul continue to rest in perfect peace. Amen. We have resolved to celebrate his funeral on Wednesday, the 27th of November, 2024.”

Meanwhile, the Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, who is standing in for the Nigerian government, has expressed profound sorrow over Monsignor Thomas Oleghe’s passing.

In a statement issued by Oshiomhole’s Senior Aide, Victor Oshioke, he described Monsignor Oleghe as a paragon of priestly humility and a steadfast champion of Christian values. He noted that Monsignor Oleghe’s life was a shining testament to the virtues of faith, humility, and devotion.

“My Lord,” Oshiomhole wrote in a condolence message to Bishop Dunia, “it is with a very heavy heart that I write to commiserate with you, the Catholic Church, and indeed the Nigerian Christian family on the death of Rt. Rev. Fr. Thomas Oleghe. His transition is a profound loss, not just to our diocese but to the nation at large.”

The Senator recounted his encounters with Monsignor Oleghe, whom he described as remarkably frank, pious, and humane. He praised the late priest for his unwavering commitment to guiding believers and fostering societal betterment through moral teachings.

“Even as we mourn him,” Oshiomhole added, “we are comforted by the assurance that his impactful life resonated with God, who blessed him with longevity before calling him to eternal rest.”

Oshiomhole prayed for divine strength for the Catholic community in Auchi and beyond, urging them to draw solace from Monsignor Oleghe’s exemplary legacy of service and faith.

The late Catholic priest was born on February 6, 1920. His remains will be laid to rest at the Catholic Cemetery at Ivhianokpodi, near Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area.

DAILY POST, one of the country’s notable tabloids, gathered that the centenarian retired about three years ago as a priest at the local Catholic Church in Fugar, Etsako Central Local Government Area of the state.

Oleghe served in various parishes where he made his mark among which is the St. John The Apostle Catholic Church, Igarra in Akoko-Edo local government where he initiated radical reforms that laid the foundation to the glorious status of the church today.

Monsignor Oleghe death is very remarkable as the centenarian died during the feast of Christ the King.

The demise of the priest of the order of Melchizedek should be best described as (TRANSITION TO GLORY).

The Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Owerri in Nigeria, Archbishop Anthony JV Obinna indicated that he had no personal contact with Msgr. Oleghe manifested a nostalgic appreciation of this servant of God, who he partially resembled. He narrated that after the just concluded plenary session of the Catholic Bishops in Auchi, selected members were commissioned to visit him in his quiet abode. Archbishop Obinna expressed his emotional appreciation of this visit and the kind words from this great servant of God to the bishop. He promised to present him to God as he celebrates the Holy Mass today.

In his reaction to the death of Msgr. Olegbe, one of the strong voices in the Church in Africa, Bishop Badejo Emmauel regretted the fact that he could not meet with him within his last days. He expressed a deep thanks for the gift of this great priest, who even at that very old age remained strong and healthy mentally and was daily praying and blessing all who sought his blessings. Going further, Bishop Badejo praised the Bishop of Auchi, the priests of this diocese, the nurses, doctors, up to the cleaners, and the entire faithful for their honorable role in taking care of this old priest. Old age he said remains a blessing in Africa. It is imbued with wisdom and only the wise youth profit from the old ones in their reach. He thanks God for this man who he described as an ICON who loomed a shining example for the priests and religious of Nigeria.

Standing in for the Episcopal Conference of Nigeria, the Executive Secretary, Fr. Zach SANGUIMI opened our eyes to a deeper reality when he submitted that the late Msgr. Thomas Oleghe was a locomotive train driver in the 1940s. He was one of the best drivers then and was favored for a higher promotion. Convinced that he was called to function as a Catholic priest, he refused the promotion and opted to go to the Seminary to begin his formative years as a priest. Despite many obstacles, the late Msgr. Oleghe never departed from his conviction that he was called to be a priest. Fr. Zach indicated that many remember him today for his priestly humility, faith, and dedication to service to others. His Bishop, Most Rev. Gabriel Dunia, he gathered, used this occasion to urge the priests and Bishops to be charitable, to go to confession as often as possible, and to pray the Rosary regularly after the example of this humble priest. He described him as a paragon of humility and an embodiment of deep spirituality. In the name of the President of the Conference, Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, and all the Catholic Bishops in Nigeria, he prayed that the Lord would graciously welcome him into His eternal presence.

In the name of the Catholic Bishops of West Africa under the aegis of RECOWA-CERAO, the Executive Secretary of this conference Fr. Vitalis Anaehobi exclaimed, “We received the news of the passing away of Msgr Thomas with utmost emotion. Recowa gives thanks to God for the gift of the wonderful life of Msgr to the Church in Africa. His long and faithful life of over a century will remain a sign of encouragement to all who are laboring in the Lord’s vineyard. In the name of the president of the conference, Bishop Alexis TOUABLI YOULO, and all the Catholic Bishops of the Conference, he prayed that God may grant him eternal rest and console the Bishop and the Presbyterium of Auchi diocese that he left behind.

As we pray for the repose of Msgr. Oleghe’s soul, we take comfort in the words of the Psalmist: “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful ones” (Psalm 116:15). May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.

May we too be inspired by Msgr. Oleghe’s example of dedication, service, and devotion to the Lord. May his legacy continue to inspire and guide us as we strive to follow in his footsteps.

Rest in Peace, Msgr. Oleghe. God be with you till we meet again.

Rev. Fr. George Nwachukwu
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