- Rev. Fr. Michael Oli, a Nigerian Catholic priest, died in the United States after collapsing during a walk. Church authorities confirmed his passing, noting that an autopsy has been ordered to determine the cause of death.
- His passing was confirmed by the Catholic Diocese of Awka in a statement released on Friday, March 27.
A Nigerian Catholic priest, Michael Oli, has passed away in the United States after reportedly collapsing during a walk.
The priest was said to have slumped and d!ed on Thursday, March 26, 2026. His passing was confirmed by the Catholic Diocese of Awka in a statement released on Friday, March 27.
According to the statement signed by the Chancellor, Charles Ndubisi, the late cleric served as the Administrator of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Faith, South Dakota, United States, until his d3ath. He was ordained on August 23, 2008.
“The funeral arrangement will be announced soon. May the soul of Rev. Fr. Michael Oli rest in peace, Amen,” the statement read.
Further confirmation came from Scott Bullock, Bishop of the Rapid City Diocese in Western South Dakota. He disclosed that authorities are yet to determine the exact cause of d3ath.
“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.
He added: “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.”
The bishop also called on priests within the diocese to offer prayers for the deceased.
“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.”
The sudden passing of the priest has sparked grief among members of the Catholic community both in Nigeria and abroad.
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