EBENEZER ADUROKIYA, Warri
The Catholic Diocese of Warri has announced the passing of its Bishop Emeritus, Most Rev. John Okeoghene Afareha, who died on Sunday, January 18, 2026.
The late cleric, widely regarded as a devoted father, shepherd, and man of deep prayer, was said to have been called home to the Lord after a lifetime of faithful service to God and humanity.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Bishop of Warri, Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, said the diocese received the news of Bishop Afareha’s death “with profound sorrow, yet with a firm hope in the resurrection.”
Bishop Afareha was ordained a Catholic priest on December 30, 1973, and consecrated a bishop on May 14, 1997. Throughout his years of priestly and episcopal ministry, he was known for his obedience to the will of God, pastoral simplicity, and unwavering commitment to the spiritual growth of the faithful.
“Bishop Afareha lived his life in faith and obedience to the will of God, touching and transforming the lives of many,” the statement noted.
Bishop Ewherido added that even after his retirement, the late bishop remained a man of prayer and a cherished father figure within the diocese.
The diocese commended his soul to the infinite mercy of God, praying that he may be granted eternal rest and welcomed into heavenly glory.
“Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, to whom he was deeply devoted, may he rejoice in the presence of the Lord with the saints and angels,” Bishop Ewherido said, while also praying for divine comfort and strength for all who mourn the departed bishop.
As part of the mourning rites, the Bishop of Warri directed that Holy Masses be offered for the repose of Bishop Afareha’s soul in all parishes and chaplaincies from now until the Month’s Mind Mass.
The diocese further stated that details of the funeral arrangements would be announced in due course.
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