By Abiola Olawale
The Catholic community in Nsukka, Enugu State has been engulfed by tears following the passing of Most Rev. Dr. Francis Emmanuel Ogbonna Okobo, Bishop Emeritus of the Nsukka Catholic Diocese.
It was gathered that Okobo passed away on Friday, August 29, 2025, at the age of 89.
The revered cleric, who served as the diocese’s first bishop, was said to have passed away at Niger Foundation Hospital in Enugu after a brief illness.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the Vicar General of the Diocese, Rev. Fr. Amuluche Greg Nnamani.
The Church expressed deep sorrow over the loss, while submitting to the will of God.
“Further information on this sad event will be communicated later. May his soul rest in peace,” the statement reads in part.
Born on November 4, 1936, in Lejja, Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, Bishop Okobo was ordained a Catholic priest on June 4, 1966.
He was appointed as the inaugural Bishop of Nsukka on November 19, 1990, with his consecration on January 6, 1991, at St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome.
He led the diocese until his retirement on April 13, 2013, at the age of 80.
