Nigerian Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Michael Oli, Dies Suddenly in US

Nigerian Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Michael Oli

Nigerian Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Michael Oli, Dies Suddenly in US

A Nigerian Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Michael Oli, has died suddenly in the United States, sparking grief among the Catholic faithful in both Nigeria and abroad.

Fr. Oli reportedly slumped and passed away while taking a walk on Thursday, March 26, 2026. His death was confirmed in an official statement released on Friday, March 27, by the Catholic Diocese of Awka.

The statement, signed by the diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Charles Ndubisi, disclosed that the late cleric was serving as the Administrator of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Faith, South Dakota, at the time of his passing.

“He was ordained on August 23, 2008. Funeral arrangements 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 Roman Catholic Diocese of Rapid City, who described the priest’s death as sudden and deeply saddening.

In a message to clergy and faithful, Bishop Bullock stated that Fr. Oli died on the morning of March 26 and was serving as pastor of St. Joseph in Faith, St. Joseph in Mud Butte, and St. Anthony in Red Owl, all in western South Dakota.

The bishop revealed that local authorities have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the priest’s death. According to him, the Deputy Sheriff of Meade County has ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause.

“At this point, we do not know the cause of death, only that he had not been feeling well,” Bishop Bullock said.

He urged priests within the diocese to offer three Masses for the repose of Fr. Oli’s soul, in line with Catholic tradition.

The late priest’s sudden death has drawn condolences from parishioners, clergy, and members of the Catholic community, who have described him as a dedicated servant of God committed to pastoral service both in Nigeria and the United States.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the church authorities in due course.