Tribute to Bishop Afareha
IN LOVING MEMORY
John Okeoghene Afareha
John Okeoghene Afareha
(A Great Teacher and Shepherd)
Born 10th March, 1947
Priestly Ordination 30th December,1973
Espiscopal Ordination 14th May 1997
Auxiliary Bishop of Warri & Titular Bishop of Minna 1997 -2010
Installed as Bishop of Warri 29th March, 2010.
Retirement: 18th April, 2022.
Died 18th January, 2026
Buried 10th February, 2026
The year 2026 had just begun. The joy of Christmas still lingered in the hearts of many as the Church celebrated the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A). On that Sunday, the Gospel presented the powerful testimony of John the Baptist, pointing humanity to Jesus Christ as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world” (John 1:29). Recognizing the Lord, John did not hesitate to direct his own disciples to follow Him. The First Reading from the Book of Isaiah (49:3, 5–6) echoed the same missionary call: “I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth”.
The Responsorial Psalm reaffirmed the Christian vocation: “See, I have come, Lord, to do your will.” (Psalm 40:8) As many of us continued to reflect on these readings, an unexpected and heartbreaking message arrived in the quiet evening hours— Bishop John Okeoghene Afareha had passed on. The news spread quickly and struck many with disbelief. “Bishop Afareha? No… this cannot be true.” Yet the source was credible. Within minutes, social media was filled with his photographs and prayers for the repose of his priestly soul. The Diocese of Warri, and indeed the wider Catholic community, was plunged into mourning. Soon, the funeral arrangements were announced. In a quiet but powerful way, they reminded us that the greatest duty we owe the departed is not loud mourning but prayer and reverent farewell.
A KING BURIED IN SIMPLICITY
In the Catholic Church, a bishop is often described as a king among his people, a shepherd entrusted with the care of God's flock. Yet the burial of Bishop Afareha revealed something deeper: true greatness expressed through humility. The funeral programme was carefully organized and involved every segment of the Church—from the Holy Childhood Association (children aged 6 to 15) to the College of Knights. Each stage of the ceremony followed the schedule with remarkable discipline. The simplicity was striking. His body arrived in a modest public hospital ambulance, rather than the elaborate spectacle many might have
expected. Only a few Priests stood at the gate to receive the body. There were no dramatic displays—only quiet reverence. Even the casket reflected the same humility. Though well made, it was remarkably simple, mirroring the modest life of the bishop himself and what the church had always taught. It reminds me Izuchukwu Obani (Ph.D), who clearly stated that “The Church is not an application found in a digital store, forever pending an update to remain compatible with the times. It is not a program we download and customize to suit our personal preferences. The Church is a Standard—a divine anchor, an immutable reference point established by God. A standard does not chase the crowd; it stands firm so that the crowd might find its way. (The Magnetic Standard, IzuchukwuObani, Ph.D)." Through this moment, the Church once again reminded everyone present that what the dead deserve most is prayer, not spectacle.
PRAYER, NOT NOISE
One particularly moving moment was the presence of the Missionary Sisters of Jesus and Mary (MSJM)—the religious congregation founded by Bishop Afareha for pastoral assistance. They stood around him praying the Rosary, joined by Priests, Catechists, and lay faithful. There was no noise. No dramatic speeches. Only the soft repetition of the Hail Mary—a prayer rising gently like incense to heaven. The lying-in-state followed the same pattern of solemn simplicity. There were no citations or elaborate tributes. People simply walked past quietly to take one last look at a once energetic shepherd—now silent in death, yet alive in the Spirit, having faithfully lived the Gospel he preached.
THE FUNERAL MASS
At about 9:00 a.m., the bishops arrived for the funeral Mass. One of their own had fallen, and they had gathered for the most important duty of all: to commend his soul to God. Everything proceeded with quiet dignity. Considering the immense evangelization work Bishop Afareha carried out across the Diocese of Warri—establishing Parishes, strengthening Pastoral structures, and promoting missionary outreach—many expected a lengthy funeral ceremony filled with tributes. Yet the Mass concluded at about 11:30 a.m. There were no fundraising appeals, no elaborate entertainment, no political speeches, only prayers and perhaps that simplicity spoke louder than any eulogy could.
A BISHOP WHO NEVER STOPPED TEACHING
Bishop Afareha was known first and foremost as a teacher. Every Mass he celebrated as diocesan bishop became an opportunity to teach the faithful, Priests, and Religious. Many still remember what some affectionately called “the second homily.” After the homily, he would sometimes deliver a corrective teaching based on observations made during the liturgy or within the life of the diocese. These additional reflections—often lasting up to thirty minutes—were never meant to embarrass but to guide and strengthen the Church. Through them, errors were corrected, discipline restored, and the faith deepened.
His ministry reflected the words often attributed to Church teaching: "A bishop is called to teach, sanctify, and govern." Fr. Tony Ekpo, Phd (Assessor for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State, Roma)
FAITH AND OBEDIENCE
From the beginning of his episcopal ministry in the Diocese of Warri, Bishop Afareha demonstrated a deep commitment to the proclamation of the Gospel and the preservation of Catholic doctrine. It was therefore fitting that he chose as his episcopal motto:
Born 10th March, 1947
Priestly Ordination 30th December,1973
Espiscopal Ordination 14th May 1997
Auxiliary Bishop of Warri & Titular Bishop of Minna 1997 -2010
Installed as Bishop of Warri 29th March, 2010.
Retirement: 18th April, 2022.
Died 18th January, 2026
Buried 10th February, 2026
The year 2026 had just begun. The joy of Christmas still lingered in the hearts of many as the Church celebrated the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A). On that Sunday, the Gospel presented the powerful testimony of John the Baptist, pointing humanity to Jesus Christ as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world” (John 1:29). Recognizing the Lord, John did not hesitate to direct his own disciples to follow Him. The First Reading from the Book of Isaiah (49:3, 5–6) echoed the same missionary call: “I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth”.
The Responsorial Psalm reaffirmed the Christian vocation: “See, I have come, Lord, to do your will.” (Psalm 40:8) As many of us continued to reflect on these readings, an unexpected and heartbreaking message arrived in the quiet evening hours— Bishop John Okeoghene Afareha had passed on. The news spread quickly and struck many with disbelief. “Bishop Afareha? No… this cannot be true.” Yet the source was credible. Within minutes, social media was filled with his photographs and prayers for the repose of his priestly soul. The Diocese of Warri, and indeed the wider Catholic community, was plunged into mourning. Soon, the funeral arrangements were announced. In a quiet but powerful way, they reminded us that the greatest duty we owe the departed is not loud mourning but prayer and reverent farewell.
A KING BURIED IN SIMPLICITY
In the Catholic Church, a bishop is often described as a king among his people, a shepherd entrusted with the care of God's flock. Yet the burial of Bishop Afareha revealed something deeper: true greatness expressed through humility. The funeral programme was carefully organized and involved every segment of the Church—from the Holy Childhood Association (children aged 6 to 15) to the College of Knights. Each stage of the ceremony followed the schedule with remarkable discipline. The simplicity was striking. His body arrived in a modest public hospital ambulance, rather than the elaborate spectacle many might have
expected. Only a few Priests stood at the gate to receive the body. There were no dramatic displays—only quiet reverence. Even the casket reflected the same humility. Though well made, it was remarkably simple, mirroring the modest life of the bishop himself and what the church had always taught. It reminds me Izuchukwu Obani (Ph.D), who clearly stated that “The Church is not an application found in a digital store, forever pending an update to remain compatible with the times. It is not a program we download and customize to suit our personal preferences. The Church is a Standard—a divine anchor, an immutable reference point established by God. A standard does not chase the crowd; it stands firm so that the crowd might find its way. (The Magnetic Standard, IzuchukwuObani, Ph.D)." Through this moment, the Church once again reminded everyone present that what the dead deserve most is prayer, not spectacle.
PRAYER, NOT NOISE
One particularly moving moment was the presence of the Missionary Sisters of Jesus and Mary (MSJM)—the religious congregation founded by Bishop Afareha for pastoral assistance. They stood around him praying the Rosary, joined by Priests, Catechists, and lay faithful. There was no noise. No dramatic speeches. Only the soft repetition of the Hail Mary—a prayer rising gently like incense to heaven. The lying-in-state followed the same pattern of solemn simplicity. There were no citations or elaborate tributes. People simply walked past quietly to take one last look at a once energetic shepherd—now silent in death, yet alive in the Spirit, having faithfully lived the Gospel he preached.
THE FUNERAL MASS
At about 9:00 a.m., the bishops arrived for the funeral Mass. One of their own had fallen, and they had gathered for the most important duty of all: to commend his soul to God. Everything proceeded with quiet dignity. Considering the immense evangelization work Bishop Afareha carried out across the Diocese of Warri—establishing Parishes, strengthening Pastoral structures, and promoting missionary outreach—many expected a lengthy funeral ceremony filled with tributes. Yet the Mass concluded at about 11:30 a.m. There were no fundraising appeals, no elaborate entertainment, no political speeches, only prayers and perhaps that simplicity spoke louder than any eulogy could.
A BISHOP WHO NEVER STOPPED TEACHING
Bishop Afareha was known first and foremost as a teacher. Every Mass he celebrated as diocesan bishop became an opportunity to teach the faithful, Priests, and Religious. Many still remember what some affectionately called “the second homily.” After the homily, he would sometimes deliver a corrective teaching based on observations made during the liturgy or within the life of the diocese. These additional reflections—often lasting up to thirty minutes—were never meant to embarrass but to guide and strengthen the Church. Through them, errors were corrected, discipline restored, and the faith deepened.
His ministry reflected the words often attributed to Church teaching: "A bishop is called to teach, sanctify, and govern." Fr. Tony Ekpo, Phd (Assessor for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State, Roma)
FAITH AND OBEDIENCE
From the beginning of his episcopal ministry in the Diocese of Warri, Bishop Afareha demonstrated a deep commitment to the proclamation of the Gospel and the preservation of Catholic doctrine. It was therefore fitting that he chose as his episcopal motto:
- Organized pastoral regions and deaneries
- Strengthened the sacramental life of the Church
- Built institutions and structures across the diocese
- Encouraged missionary outreach and evangelization
In the words of Bishop John Okoye of Agwu diocese “Afareha did not only believed in the words of the new Evangelization but he felt that “the time had come to commit the Church's energies to a new evangelisation and to the mission et gentes. He made those words his supreme duty.” Under his leadership, the Diocese of Warri witnessed a significant increase in priestly vocations. His legacy remains deeply etched in the life of the local Church.
A SHEPHERD WHO STILL SPEAKS
Even in death, Bishop Afareha continues to preach—through the humility of his life and the simplicity of his burial. His life reminds us that true leadership in the Church is rooted not in power or display, but in
faithful service and obedience to God's will.
FINAL PRAYER
As we mark his One Month's Mind on Tuesday, March 10, we pray that the Good Shepherd, whom he served in faith and obedience, will grant him eternal rest. May the seeds of faith he planted in the Diocese of Warri continue to grow and bear fruit. And may his reward be eternal life in the Kingdom of God. Per Dominum Jesum Christum. Amen.
Adieu, great scholar and shepherd.
Sir Michael Ovoke Edafekpuvie – KSJI
CEO – Creative Minds Publishers
Warri, Delta State, Nigeria
Former Editor – Marian Voice Magazine
(Legion of Mary Regia, Warri)
Former Associate Editor – Calabar Newsletter
(Archdiocese of Calabar)
Member – Media & Publicity, Knights of St. John International
Warri Grand Commandery
A SHEPHERD WHO STILL SPEAKS
Even in death, Bishop Afareha continues to preach—through the humility of his life and the simplicity of his burial. His life reminds us that true leadership in the Church is rooted not in power or display, but in
faithful service and obedience to God's will.
FINAL PRAYER
As we mark his One Month's Mind on Tuesday, March 10, we pray that the Good Shepherd, whom he served in faith and obedience, will grant him eternal rest. May the seeds of faith he planted in the Diocese of Warri continue to grow and bear fruit. And may his reward be eternal life in the Kingdom of God. Per Dominum Jesum Christum. Amen.
Adieu, great scholar and shepherd.
Sir Michael Ovoke Edafekpuvie – KSJI
CEO – Creative Minds Publishers
Warri, Delta State, Nigeria
Former Editor – Marian Voice Magazine
(Legion of Mary Regia, Warri)
Former Associate Editor – Calabar Newsletter
(Archdiocese of Calabar)
Member – Media & Publicity, Knights of St. John International
Warri Grand Commandery
