Lagos Catholic archdiocese pays tribute to late Msgr. Gabriel Osu

 

The Lagos Catholic archdiocese led by the Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos, Alfred Adewale Martins, paid their last respect to the late Gabriel Osu.

Osu, a native of Ubulu-Uku in Delta State, was born on September 5, 1954, and ordained a Catholic priest in 1981.

The former director of social communications of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, served in several parishes within Lagos before passing away on Friday, May 8, 2026, after a prolonged illness.

Following funeral rites and vigil Masses held across Lagos, his remains were laid to rest at Ikoyi Cemetery after the funeral Mass at Holy Cross Cathedral on Thursday May 28, 2026.

Osu was described as a compassionate priest whose life was devoted to the care and upliftment of children and young people.

“As Director of Communications, Msgr. Gabriel Osu addressed issues of the common good and challenged the government to be alive to its responsibilities and make life better for citizens,” Adewale Martins, Catholic

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Archbishop of Lagos said.

According to him, Osu dedicated more than 45 years of his life to the service of God, humanity, and the Church, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, advocacy, and selfless.

Martins disclosed that the late priest was deeply committed to helping vulnerable children and young people find direction and purpose in life, often supporting and mentoring them to become responsible leaders in society.

“He gave us an example of patience in adversity. He was ill for nine years, and throughout those years he remained cheerful, humble, and hopeful in God,” Martins said.

According to Martins, Osu taught members of the diocese that no matter what they face in life, they must never stop caring for others.

Reflecting on the recent abduction of over forty children across the country, Archbishop Martins lamented that the late cleric would have strongly spoken out against the tragedy were he still alive.

The Archbishop also called on government and security agencies to intensify efforts toward ending kidnappings and securing the release of abducted children across the country.

Earlier in his homily, Pascal Nwaezeapu, the Episcopal Vicar for Lekki Region, described the late priest as a generous and joyful man whose presence brought comfort and happiness to people around him. “Msgr. Osu was always fun to be with. You could never be around him and remain sad,” he said. “He used his gifts and voice to defend the Church and speak against societal ills.”

Anthony Godonu, director of social communications, discloses that the late priest mentored and encouraged him to pursue further studies in journalism. “He impacted countless lives and worked tirelessly for the Church. We will miss him greatly.”