On Friday 6 September 2024, the Togolese nation paid a national tribute to the Metropolitan Archbishop of Lomé, Mgr Nicodème Anani Barrigah-Benissan. The ceremony was presided over by Prime Minister Victoire Tomégah-Dogbé, representing the President of the Republic HEM Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, in the presence of the Speaker of the National Assembly, Sevon-Tépé Kodjo Adédzé, the bishops of the Togo Bishops’ Conference, the presidents of the institutions of the Republic, members of the government, the diplomatic corps and administrative, civil, military and traditional rulers.

His Grace Barrigah-Benissan’s return to Eternity is a great loss, not only for his biological family and the Church Family of God, but also for the entire Togolese nation which owes him tribute. As the emotional tribute ceremony unfolds, the nation bid farewell to one of its worthiest sons, who
has left his mark on Togo’s history. He will be remembered for his faith, dedication and love for his country. On Sunday 04 August 2024, the news of Bishop Barrigah-Benissan’s death came as a shock to the entire nation.

It was with deep sadness and compassion that the nation extended its most sincere condolences to the bereaved family, the Catholic Church and to all those affected by his passing. The nation’s tribute was delivered on behalf of the President of the Republic by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Sevon-Tépé Kodjo Adédzé.

“On this day of mourning, all the institutions of the nation, led by His Excellency the President of the Republic, wish to pay tribute to the memory of His Grace Nicodème Anani Barrigah-Benissan, and are saddened to express their profound gratitude for the outstanding work he accomplished at the service of God, humanity and Togo,” announced the Speaker of the National Assembly, Sevon-Tépé Kodjo Adédzé.

The distinguished late Archbishop will be remembered for the quality work he undertook as Chairman of the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission (CVJR) and for the expertise he wielded with the members of the High Commission for Reconciliation and the Strengthening of National Unity (HCRRUN). The responsibility falls on HCRRUN to implement the recommendations of CVJR.

“Your Excellency, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Lomé, your life lessons will remain in our hearts. We bid you farewell, bearing in mind that “the dead are not dead” and that life goes on. Rest in peace, and may the everlasting light shines in your eyes,” concluded the Speaker of the National Assembly.

On behalf of the Head of State, the Head of the Government, Victoire Tomégah-Dogbé, laid a wreath of flowers on the coffin of the distinguished late Archbishop before extending her sympathy to the bereaved family and to members of the Togo Bishops’ Conference.