Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has expressed his condolences to the Catholic Diocese of Warri and the wider Christian community following the death of Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Mario Ozele.

Fr. Ozele, who was 60, reportedly died in the early hours of Tuesday, September 15, 2026, after an illness. Until his death, he served as the Episcopal Vicar of the Ughelli Pastoral Region and Parish Priest of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ughelli.

Governor Oborevwori conveyed his sympathy in a condolence statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba on Wednesday.

The governor described the priest’s passing as a significant loss to the Catholic Church, his parishioners and the people of Delta State.

Oborevwori extended his condolences to the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Warri, Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, as well as priests, religious leaders and members of the Catholic community.

He encouraged the bereaved church community to find strength in Fr. Ozele’s years of service to God and humanity.

The governor also sympathised with the deceased priest’s immediate family, praying that God would give them the strength and comfort needed to cope with the loss.

Fr. Ozele’s death has left members of the Catholic community in Delta State mourning the loss of a priest who served in pastoral and ecclesiastical roles before his passing.