ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Bishop Emeritus of the Catholic Diocese of Warri, Most Rev. John Okeoghene Afareha, who passed on at the age of 78.
In a condolence message issued in Asaba and signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, the governor described the late cleric as a revered servant of God whose life of faith, humility and dedication to humanity left an enduring imprint on the Church and society.
Oborevwori said the death of Bishop Afareha was a painful loss not only to the Catholic Church but to Delta State and the nation, noting that his years of priestly and episcopal service were marked by spiritual discipline, pastoral simplicity and unwavering commitment to the growth of the Catholic faith, particularly in the Warri Diocese.
“The passing of Bishop Afareha is a great loss not only to the Catholic Church but to Delta State and humanity at large,” the governor said. “He was a father, shepherd and man of deep prayer whose life exemplified service, sacrifice and obedience to the will of God.”
The governor extended his condolences to the Catholic Bishop of Warri, Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, the clergy, religious and faithful of the diocese, as well as the family of the deceased, praying that God would grant them strength and comfort in their moment of grief.
He also prayed for the peaceful repose of the late bishop’s soul, asking God to grant him eternal rest and reward him for a lifetime of devoted service to the Church and mankind.
Bishop Afareha, who was ordained a Catholic priest on December 30, 1973, was consecrated a bishop on May 14, 1997. The Catholic Diocese of Warri announced his passing “with profound sorrow, yet with a firm hope in the resurrection,” commending his soul to God’s infinite mercy.
