Bishop Emmanuel Ogbonna Okobo (1936-2025) was the first Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Enugu State, Ordained in 1996, he led the diocese from 1991 to 2013, expanding St. Theresa’s Cathedral, and leaving a legacy of faith, humility and service until his death at 88.
BISHOP OKOBO PROFILE
| Name | Bishop Okobo |
| Real Name | Emmanuel Ogbonna Okobo |
| Date Of Birth | 4 November 1936 |
| Date Of Death | 29 August 2025 |
| State Of Origin | Enugu State |
| Tribe | Igbo |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Occupation | Clergy |
| Religion | Catholic |
| Marital Status | Single |
| Net Worth | N/A |
| Copied From | Contents101.com |
BISHOP OKOBO BIOGRAPHY
Francis Emmanuel Ogbonna Okobo was born on 4 November 1936 in Lejja, Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu State, Nigeria. He hailed from a prominent traditional family—his grandfather was once the Eze-Lejja (traditional ruler). In his early years, he even served as a deputy in traditional rites before fully embracing the Catholic faith.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Bishop Okobo received his early education in Nsukka before proceeding to seminary training. He studied philosophy and theology in preparation for priesthood. He was ordained a Catholic priest on 4 June 1966, after completing his priestly formation.
CAREER
- Priesthood: He began his ministry as a priest of the Diocese of Enugu in 1966, serving in pastoral duties, teaching, and mentoring.
- Elevation: In 1988, he was honored with the title of Monsignor (Papal Chamberlain) in recognition of his service to the Church.
- Bishop of Nsukka: On 19 November 1990, Pope John Paul II appointed him as the first Bishop of the newly created Diocese of Nsukka. He was consecrated bishop on 6 January 1991 in St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome.
- Leadership Achievements:
- Grew the diocese from about 27 parishes in 1991 to more than 113 parishes by the time of his retirement.
- Laid the foundation for the construction of St. Theresa’s Cathedral, one of the largest Catholic cathedrals in West Africa.
- Instituted spiritual formation programs for seminarians and convened diocesan synods to strengthen faith and pastoral growth.
- Retirement: He retired on 13 April 2013, succeeded by Bishop Godfrey Igwebuike Onah. His episcopacy lasted over two decades, leaving a remarkable legacy in Nsukka and beyond.
CONTROVERSIES
Bishop Okobo lived a largely controversy-free life. He was widely respected for his humility, pastoral dedication, and focus on diocesan development. He avoided political entanglements and concentrated his efforts on evangelization, education, and church growth.
PERSONAL LIFE
As a Catholic clergyman, Bishop Okobo took a vow of celibacy and did not marry or have children. He devoted his entire life to the service of God, the Catholic Church, and humanity. Despite being a spiritual leader, he maintained close ties with his Nsukka community and was admired for his fatherly approach, mentorship, and accessibility to both clergy and laity.
BISHOP OKOBO NET WORTH
Bishop Okobo’s net worth was never publicly disclosed.
DEATH
Bishop Francis Emmanuel Ogbonna Okobo passed away on 29 August 2025 at Niger Foundation Hospital, Enugu, at the age of 88. His death was widely mourned across Nigeria. Tributes poured in from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, clergy, laity, and dignitaries, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who described him as a “devoted servant of God.”