Oborevwori Mourns Death of Warri Catholic Diocese Bishop Emeritus, John Afareha

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Bishop Emeritus of the Catholic Diocese of Warri, Most Rev. John Okeoghene Afareha, who passed away at the age of 78.

In a condolence message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, and made available to journalists in Asaba, the Governor described the late cleric as a revered servant of God whose life of faith, humility and selfless service left an indelible impact on the Catholic Church and the wider society.

Governor Oborevwori said he received the news of Bishop Afareha’s passing with profound sadness, noting that his many years of priestly and episcopal ministry were marked by deep spiritual discipline, pastoral simplicity and unwavering commitment to the growth of the Catholic faith, particularly within the Warri Diocese.

“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, a shepherd and a man of deep prayer whose life exemplified service, sacrifice and total obedience to the will of God,” the Governor stated.

He extended his heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Bishop of Warri, Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, the entire clergy, religious and lay faithful of the diocese, as well as members of the Afareha family, praying that God grants them strength, comfort and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Governor Oborevwori also prayed for the peaceful repose of the late Bishop’s soul, asking God to grant him eternal rest and reward him abundantly for a lifetime of devoted service to the Church and mankind.

Bishop Afareha was ordained a Catholic priest on December 30, 1973, and later consecrated as Bishop on May 14, 1997, serving faithfully until his retirement.
Announcing his death, the Catholic Diocese of Warri said it received the news “with profound sorrow, yet with firm hope in the resurrection,” while commending his soul to God’s infinite mercy.