Nigeria’s Oldest Catholic Priest Dies at 103, Oshiomhole Mourns

Nigeria’s Oldest Catholic Priest Dies at 103, Oshiomhole Mourns
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By Newsmata

The Catholic Church has announced the passing of its oldest priest in Nigeria, Monsignor Thomas Oleghe at the age of 103, less than three months to his 104th birthday.
Announcing the demise of the centenarian Reverend Father in a terse statement on Sunday, Rev. Fr. Gabriel Dunia, Bishop of the Auchi Diocese of the Catholic Church, said deceased would be buried Wednesday , November 27.

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 as at today, to the great beyond at about 2.30am 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”.

The Newsmata.com.ng learnt that the late centenarian priest will be laid to rest at the Catholic Cemetery, Ivhianokpodi, near Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area.

Meanwhile, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, reacting to the loss of Monsgr. Oleghe, who hailed
from Igiode, near Agenebode, headquarters of Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, described him as a ,”paragon of priestly humility and a steadfast champion of Christian values”.

In a statement by his senior aide, Victor Oshioke, Senator Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North senatorial district in the National Assembly, noted that Monsignor Oleghe’s life was a shining testament to the virtues of faith, humility, and devotion.

In a heartfelt condolence message to Bishop Dunia, Senator Oshiomhole said “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. Monsignor Thomas Oleghe. His transition is a profound loss, not just to our Diocese but to the nation at large.”

The former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) recounted fond memories of his personal encounters with the man of God, whom he said was “remarkably frank, pious, and humane”.

Praising the deceased priest for his unwavering commitment to guiding believers and fostering societal betterment through moral teachings, the former governor of the state, said “Even as we mourn him, we are comforted by the assurance that his impactful life resonated with God, who blessed him with longevity before calling him to eternal rest.”

Senator 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.

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