The oldest Catholic priest in Nigeria, Monsignor Thomas Oleghe has reportedly died at the age of 104.
The Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Gabriel G. Dunia made this known in a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday in Benin City.
According to the statement, Monsignor Oleghe, died at about 2:30 am on Sunday, November 24, 2024 and will be buried on Wednesday, November 27, 2024.
The statement read, “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 at Igiode, near Agenebode in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo.
“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.”
Born in February 6, 1920, the remains of the late Catholic priest will be laid to rest at the Catholic Cemetery at Ivhianokpodi, near Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area.
It was gathered that the centenarian retired about three years ago as a priest at the local Catholic Church in Fugar, Etsako Central Local Government Area of the state.