The oldest Catholic priest in Nigeria, the Very Rev. Monsignor Thomas Oleghe, is dead. He died peacefully at about 2:30 a.m. on Sunday at the age of 103 years. (SEE INTERVIEW WITH MSGR OLEGHE AT 103: VIDEO)

Monsignor Oleghe’s demise was announced by the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Ghieakhomo Dunia, at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral Auchi on Sunday, November 24, the feast of Christ the King.

Monsignor Oleghe hailed from Igiode, near Agenebode, in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.

After his retirement three years ago, the late cleric spent his final years in his hometown of Igiode, after serving as a priest at the local Catholic Church in Fugar, Etsako Central LGA of Edo State.

A June 2024 post about Monsignor Oleghe, credited to Augustine Mario, said, “He is still very much active with his priestly prayers and masses. At this age he wakes up as early as 4am for his morning adoration, prayers and mass and does the same at 4pm with twenty decades of the rosary. This indeed is a virtue to emulate. There is hope for all of us to rise and take responsibility for our health and life.”

Bishop Dunia said Monsignor Oleghe’s remains will be buried at the Catholic Cemetery in Ivhianokpodi, near Agenebode, after a funeral on November 27.

Mourning the passing of Msgr Oleghe, immediate past governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, described the late cleric as a great missionary of the Catholic faith.

In a statement by his media aide, Crusoe Osagie, Obaseki said the late Msgr. Oleghe was a dedicated and compassionate priest who worked for the growth of the Christian faith and the development of his community.

“He remained an inspiration to many and a model that a lot of young people looked up to,” Obaseki said.

“I celebrate his impactful service to God and humanity and appreciate his work in the Lord’s vineyard in Edo State, where he served for many years promoting peace and development,” he said.

He commiserated with Bishop Dunia and the entire Nigerian Catholic community and prayed God to grant all the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Also mourning the late priest, former governor of Edo State and Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole, described Monsignor Oleghe as a symbol of priestly humility and a staunch advocate of Christian values, noting that his life was a powerful example of faith, devotion, and humility.

“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,” Oshiomhole said in a condolence message to Bishop Dunia.

“The late priest was remarkably frank, pious, and humane. I praise him for his unwavering commitment to guiding believers and fostering societal betterment, through moral teachings.

“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,” he said.

According to a statement issued by his media aide, Victor Oshioke, Oshiomhole also prayed for divine strength for the members of Catholic community in Auchi and beyond, urging them to draw solace from Monsignor Oleghe’s exemplary legacy of service and faith.