A Nigerian Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Michael Oli, has passed away in South Dakota, in the United States.
Rev. Fr. Oli slumped and died while he was taking a walk on Thursday, 26th March 2026.
The Catholic Diocese of Awka confirmed the sad news in a statement on Friday, March 27, but said he had been feeling ill for some time.
According to the statement signed by its Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Charles Ndubisi, the late Priest was the Administrator of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Faith, South Dakota, USA until his death.
He was ordained on 23rd August 2008.
“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 death 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 death.
“At this point, we do not know about the cause of death, 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.”
