Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has expressed deep condolences to the Catholic Diocese of Warri over the death of its Bishop Emeritus, Most Rev. John Okeoghene Afareha, who passed on at the age of 78.
In a condolence message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, the Governor described the late Bishop as a revered servant of God whose life of faith, humility and service left a lasting impact on the Church and society.
Governor Oborevwori said he was saddened by the passing of Bishop Afareha, noting that his years of priestly and episcopal ministry were marked by spiritual discipline, pastoral simplicity and unwavering commitment to the growth of the Catholic faith, particularly in the Warri Diocese.
According to the Governor, the death of the Bishop Emeritus is a great loss not only to the Catholic Church but also to Delta State and humanity at large.
“He was a father, a shepherd and a man of deep prayer whose life exemplified service, sacrifice and total obedience to the will of God,” Oborevwori stated.
The Governor extended his heartfelt sympathies 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. He prayed that God would grant them comfort and strength in their time of grief.
Governor Oborevwori also prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of the late Bishop, asking God to grant him eternal rest and reward him for a lifetime of devoted service to the Church and mankind.
Bishop Afareha was ordained a Catholic priest on December 30, 1973, and was consecrated Bishop on May 14, 1997. The Catholic Diocese of Warri announced his death with “profound sorrow, yet with a firm hope in the resurrection,” commending his soul to God’s infinite mercy.