Nigerian Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Michael Oli, has passed away in the United States.
While he was taking a walk on Thursday, 26th March 2026 he slumped and died.
The Catholic Diocese of Awka confirmed the sad news in a statement on Friday, March 27.
According to the statement signed by its Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Charles Ndubuisi, the late priest, who was ordained on the 23rd August 2008, was the Administrator of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Faith, South Dakota, USA until his death.
“The funeral arrangement will be announced soon. May the soul of Rev. Fr. Michael Oli rest in peace, Amen,” the statement added.
Bishop Scott Bullock of the Rapid City Diocese, Western South Dakota, who confirmed the incident said the Deputy Sheriff of Meade County, has ordered an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
“With confidence in the Resurrection of the Lord, I write to inform you of the sudden d3ath this morning, March 26, 2026, of our brother Fr. Michael Oli, Pastor of St Joseph in Faith, St. Joseph in Mud Butte, and St. Anthony in Red Owl,” the statement read.
“I have been in communication with the Deputy Sheriff of Meade County, who has ordered an autopsy to determine the cause of d3ath.
“At this point, we do not know about the cause of d3ath, just that he hadn’t been feeling well.
“As is our custom, I invite all the priests serving in the diocese to offer three Masses for the repose of the soul of Fr. Michael.
“Arrangements are pending. Eternal rest grant unto him and let perpetual light shine upon him.”