LAGOS — The Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos on Thursday paid glowing tributes to late Very Rev. Msgr. Gabriel Osu, describing him as a fearless communicator, advocate of justice and committed priest who devoted his life to defending the Church, speaking truth to power and promoting the common good.
The funeral Mass for the late cleric, held at the Holy Cross Cathedral, attracted a large gathering of priests, bishops, archbishops, religious faithful, family members and admirers who came to honour a man widely regarded as one of the most influential voices in Catholic communications in Nigeria.
Leading the funeral rites, Archbishop of the Lagos Metropolitan See, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, described the late Monsignor Osu as a priest deeply committed to humanity and the welfare of society.
According to the Archbishop, the late priest consistently used his office and communication skills to address societal challenges, confront injustice and demand accountability from leaders.
“Monsignor Osu was very concerned about the common good and welfare of everyone. As Director of Communications, he addressed issues affecting society and challenged government at all levels to be alive to their responsibilities and make life better for citizens,” Martins said.
He noted that beyond his public engagements and advocacy, the late cleric also left behind a powerful example of courage, humility and patience in suffering.
The Archbishop recalled that Msgr. Osu battled illness for about nine years but remained cheerful, hopeful and steadfast in faith throughout the period.
“He gave us an example of patience in adversity. He was ill for nine years, and in all those years he continued to remain the humorous person that he was, the simple person that he was.
“He made us realise that no matter what we may be going through, we must place our hope in God,” Martins added.
Delivering the homily, Episcopal Vicar for Lekki Region, Very Rev. Msgr. Pascal Nwaezeapu, reminded the congregation of the inevitability of death and the need for believers to live righteous and impactful lives.
“Death is a reality and something nobody can run away from. After death comes judgement, reward of eternal life or damnation. The fact that one is a Christian does not make resurrection unto life automatic. How we lived here counts,” he said.
Nwaezeapu described the late priest as a generous and compassionate man who dedicated himself to helping the poor, vulnerable and less privileged.
“He was a very generous man who gave his all to help the needy and less privileged. You could never be around him and be sad. He had a way of lightening up anywhere he found himself,” he added.
Also speaking, the current Director of Social Communications of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu, who succeeded the late Monsignor Osu in office, described him as a father figure, mentor and tireless advocate for truth and justice.
According to him, the late priest remained selfless even during moments of severe illness.
“He could forget himself even in pain and illness in order to spend himself for others. He attended to national issues, to the issue of truth and justice, to the issue of welfare and to issues of good governance,” Godonu said.
In an emotional tribute, the deceased’s younger brother, Mr. Paul Osu, said the family was proud of the life and legacy left behind by the late cleric.
“He left the world better than he met it. He was a caring and good brother. We will miss his great sense of brotherly love, listening ear, advice, generosity and kindness personified,” he said.
Similarly, Rev. Fr. Christian Usifo of the Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta recounted how the late priest sponsored his education through secondary school and university.
He described Msgr. Osu as “a man full of life, generous to all and sundry,” adding that there was “never a dull moment with him, even during his sickness.”
Born on September 5, 1954, in Ubulu-Uku, Delta State, Msgr. Gabriel Osu was ordained a Catholic priest in 1981 and spent over 45 years in priestly service.
He died on Friday, May 8, 2026, after a prolonged illness.
Following the funeral Mass, his remains were interred at the Ikoyi Cemetery
