His passing announced  on January 31, 2025, sent shockwaves through  Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA) community, where he had spent years in dedicated service. A scholar of towering intellect, a mentor of many, and the first Canon Lawyer to deliver an inaugural lecture at CIWA, he etched his name into the institution’s Professorial Hall of Fame. 

His tenure at the Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA) was one of remarkable distinction, both in his administrative and teaching roles as registrar and later as professor, respectively. From the moment he arrived, he became an integral force in the institution’s academic, administrative, and spiritual life. Between 2008 and 2014, he served on several ad hoc committees and panels. His contributions spanned the CIWA Theology Week Commission (2008–2011), the Spiritual Life Committee (2008–2023), the Library Committee (2008–2011), the Sub-Degree Academic Board (2008–2011), and the Security Committee (2008–2023). He was part of the Committee on the Promotion of Junior and Intermediate Staff (2008–2012) and contributed to financial policy as a member of the Committee for the Review of Tuition Payable by Students (2009) and the Governing Council’s Ad Hoc Committee on the Financial Sustainability of CIWA at Thirty (2009).

He lent his expertise to institutional discipline.  His leadership extended to the Participation Committee of CIWA Theology Week (2011–2016), and he chaired the Committee for CIWA Friends and Benefactors from 2015 onward while also serving on the Committee for the Inauguration of CIWA, Obehie Campus. A voice of wisdom in the Faculty Board and Senate since 2011, he contributed to broader ecclesiastical discussions, notably in the Committee for the Study of the Lineamenta for the 2014 Extraordinary Synod on the Christian Family (2013). He represented CIWA at the First International Workshop on Ecclesia in Africa and Africae Munus in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. He supervised/co-supervised 66 theses/dissertations. He was Dean of Students Affairs, Hear of Canon Law  Department & Dean of Faculty of Canon Law twice. 

The weight of his loss bore heavily on CIWA community. Rector Magnificus, Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Jude Abidemi Asanbe, himself a Canon Law scholar, struggled for words, offering only a solemn farewell: “Good night, Fr. Ojemen. May you receive your eternal reward. Amen.”  

Scripture scholar Fr. Prof. Luke Ijezie lamented: “I got this terrible news this morning and was waiting for confirmation. I heard he died yesterday. This is really sad. May God grant him eternal repose and console his loved ones and the Diocese of Uromi! We commiserate with our colleagues from Uromi.”  

For Fr. Victor Jammah, the loss was deeply personal: “A very sad news indeed. A rare gentleman. May you rest in Christ whom you served so well. Condolences to the brothers from Uromi Diocese.”  

Fr. Chijioke Azuawusiefe echoed the sorrow: “What a sad news. Eternal rest grant unto your servant, O Lord, and let your perpetual light shine on him. Dear Lord, comfort and console those who mourn him: Diocese of Uromi, family, and friends.”  

Fr. Adeyemo sighed in grief: “Huuuuuuum! Yet another fallen hero of CIWA, Revd. Fr. Prof. Cosmas Ojemen. May GOD grant eternal rest to him and consolation to his family members, the Catholic Diocese of Uromi, CIWA community, and all those who mourn his demise. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let your perpetual light shine upon him. Amen!”  

As condolences pour in, the Diocese of Uromi has announced the final obsequies as follow:

 Date: Monday, February 10, 2025

Venue: St. Anselm, Irrua

Time: 4pm, Wake-keep

Tuesday, 11, Feb. 2025

Venue: St. Gregory the Great, Ekpoma 

Time: 11am, Funeral Mass.

 Interment will follow immediately at the Priests’ Cemetery, Brother Roman Catechetical Centre, Ekpoma, where he will join the ranks of those who have gone before, the latest occupant since the passing of Fr. Peter Udo.  

In life, he was a scholar, a priest, a mentor. In death, he leaves behind a legacy carved in the hearts of those who knew him, a legacy that echoes in the corridors of the Catholic  World, to his many Alma Maters, CIWA and the Diocese of Uromi. Rest well, Fr. Ojemen, in the eternal light of the One you served so faithfully.

Thanks for reading 

Fr. Okhueleigbe Osemhantie Ã, Phd