JUST IN: Bishop Emeritus of Catholic Diocese of Nsukka Dies at 89

The Catholic community in Nsukka has been thrown into mourning following the death of the Bishop Emeritus of the Nsukka Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Francis Emmanuel Ogbonna Okobo, who passed away early Friday morning at the age of 89.

Clergy members from the diocese confirmed his death after a brief illness, though an official statement from the diocese is still being awaited.

Born on November 4, 1936, Bishop Okobo was ordained a Catholic priest on June 4, 1966, and later became the first Bishop of the Diocese of Nsukka. He was appointed on November 19, 1990, and consecrated on January 6, 1991. He led the diocese with dedication until his retirement on April 13, 2013, upon attaining the statutory retirement age of 80.

Fondly remembered as a pioneering figure in the establishment and growth of the Nsukka Diocese, Okobo’s passing has drawn an outpouring of tributes across social media, where many faithful recall his legacy of service, faith, and leadership.