• Bishop John Afareha death confirmed by Catholic Diocese of Warri on Sunday

• Former Warri Catholic Bishop remembered for faith, prayer and pastoral simplicity

• Catholic Church in Delta begins mourning, orders Masses in all parishes

The Catholic Diocese of Warri has announced the death of its Bishop Emeritus, Most Rev. John Okeoghene Afareha, who passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at the age of 78.

The revered cleric’s passing was confirmed in a statement issued by the Bishop of Warri, Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, who said the diocese received the news with deep sorrow but firm hope in the resurrection.

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Bishop Afareha was described as a devoted father, shepherd and man of deep prayer, who dedicated his entire life to the service of God and humanity within and beyond the Diocese of Warri.

According to the statement, the late bishop was ordained a Catholic priest on December 30, 1973, and later consecrated as a bishop on May 14, 1997. Throughout his years of priestly and episcopal ministry, he was widely admired for his obedience to God’s will, pastoral simplicity and commitment to the spiritual growth of the faithful.

“Bishop Afareha lived his life in faith and obedience to the will of God, impacting the lives of many along the way,” the diocese stated.

Bishop Ewherido added that even after his retirement, Bishop Afareha remained a man of prayer and a cherished father to priests and the faithful.

The Diocese of Warri has commended his soul to the infinite mercy of God, praying that he may be granted eternal rest and welcomed into the joy of heaven.

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As part of mourning activities, the bishop directed that Masses be offered for the repose of Bishop Afareha’s soul in all parishes and chaplaincies until the Month’s Mind Mass.

Funeral arrangements, the diocese said, will be announced in due course.