Delta State in Mourning: Governor Oborevwori Pays Tribute to the Legacy of Bishop Emeritus John Afareha


-​By Ruben Mario Brodrick 

ASABA, DELTA STATE – The Catholic community and the people of Delta State are in mourning following the transition of the revered Most Rev. John Okeoghene Afareha, Bishop Emeritus of the Catholic Diocese of Warri.

​Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, in a heartfelt tribute, joined thousands of faithful in honoring the life and legacy of the late cleric, who passed away at the age of 78.

​A Life of Devotion and Service

​In a statement issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Governor Oborevwori described the late Bishop as a "revered servant of God" whose impact stretched far beyond the pulpit. The Governor noted that Bishop Afareha’s decades of ministry were defined by:

  • ​Spiritual Discipline: A lifelong commitment to prayer and the Catholic faith.
  • ​Pastoral Simplicity: A humble approach to leadership that resonated with the common man.
  • ​Unwavering Dedication: A tireless effort to grow the Warri Diocese and strengthen the moral fabric of Delta State.

    • ​"The passing of Bishop Afareha is a great loss not only to the Catholic Church but to Delta State and humanity at large. He was a father, shepherd, and man of deep prayer whose life exemplified service, sacrifice, and obedience to the will of God," the Governor stated.


    ​Key Milestones in a Sacred Journey

    ​The late Bishop Emeritus dedicated over 50 years to the service of the Church. His journey was marked by significant milestones:

    • ​Priesthood: Ordained as a Catholic priest on December 30, 1973.
    • ​Episcopacy: Consecrated as a Bishop on May 14, 1997, serving with distinction for nearly three decades.

    ​Comfort in Faith

    ​The Catholic Diocese of Warri, while expressing "profound sorrow," remains steadfast in the "hope of the resurrection." Governor Oborevwori extended his deepest condolences to the current Bishop of Warri, Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, the clergy, the grieving family, and all the Catholic faithful.

    ​The Governor concluded his message with a prayer for the eternal repose of the Bishop’s soul, asking that he be rewarded for his lifetime of devotion to God and mankind.

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