By Rev. Fr. Dr. Okhueleigbe Osemhantie

Archbishop Patrick Ebosele Ekpu was born on 26th October 1931 in Arue, Uromi, and grew up in Benin City. He attended the Seminary of Sts. Peter and Paul, Bodija, and became the second priest of Esan extraction to be ordained. His ordination took place on 7th July 1963 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Uromi, now the Cathedral Church of the diocese created through his doggedness.

Appointed Co-adjutor of Benin City on 5th June 1971 and titular Bishop of Castabala, his Episcopal ordination took place on 21st November 1971. Bishop Ekpu succeeded the See of Benin City from Bishop Patrick Joseph Kelly SMA on 5th July 1973 and was appointed Archbishop of Benin City on 26th March 1994. After years of meritorious service shepherding the people of the Diocese and the entire Province, he retired from the See on 21st November 2006.

Archbishop Patrick Ekpu passed away on the evening of 6th August 2024, the feast of the Transfiguration of Christ, a significant celebration of God’s revelation to His Apostles Peter, James, and John.

He witnessed the pontificates of Pius XI, Pius XII, John XXIII, Paul VI, John Paul I, John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis. During his lifetime, the ancient monarchical seat of Benin saw the reign of five monarchs. Despite his extensive travels, he never lost touch with home, cherishing his patria above all. He earned international recognition but valued most the honors conferred by God.

Archbishop Ekpu founded the formidable knighthood of St. Paul and the female religious institute known as the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. He began with five parishes and left behind countless parishes and multiple dioceses. He ordained over one hundred priests across the Province of Benin, introduced the concept of a priest retirement home to the Catholic Church in Nigeria, welcomed the Benedictine monks to Benin City, and played a significant role in the ecclesiastical formation of the lay faithful.

Though he is gone, his presence remains. In him, it is evident that there is never a morning without an evening except in the eternal city. He made retirement admirable just as he did active service. May his reward be greater than his labour. Good night, great Father.