Nigeria’s Oldest Catholic Priest, Thomas Oleghe Dies At 104

Nigeria’s oldest Catholic Reverend Father, Monsignor Thomas Oleghe has reportedly died at the age of 104.

A statement by the Bishop of Auchi Diocese of Edo State, Bishop Gabriel G. Dunia said Oleghe died at about 2:30 am.

The statement addressed to Your Eminences, Your Graces, Your Lordships, Rev Fathers, and Beloved people of God by Dunia read “Peace be with you.

“With gratitude to God for a life well lived on earth I hereby inform you of the passage of the Rt. Rev. MSGR Thomas Oleghe the oldest Catholic priest in Nigeria as of today, to the great beyond at about 2.30 am this morning on the 24th of November, 2024.

“He is of the Diocese of Auchi. He died at the age of 104. May his lovely and gentle soul continue to rest in perfect peace. Amen.

“We have resolved to celebrate his funeral on Wednesday, the 27th of November, 2024.”

Oleghe served in various parishes where he made his mark among which is the St. John The Apostle Catholic Church, Igarra in Akoko-Edo local government, where he initiated radical reforms that laid the foundation for the glorious status of the church today.