Juliet Oladele, Reporting
THE Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Henry C. Ndukuba, has directed the Archbishop of the Diocese of Awka, Most Rev. Alexander C. Ibezim, to proceed on six months’ leave with immediate effect, amid ongoing investigations into allegations and recent questionable developments in the diocese.
In a letter dated Tuesday, 13 October 2026, the Primate also appointed the Bishop of the Diocese of Aguata, the Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor, as Supervising Bishop of the Diocese of Awka and Coordinating Bishop of the Province of the Niger during Archbishop Ibezim’s absence.
The letter, addressed to Ibezim, stated that the decision followed recent developments in the Diocese of Awka, where the archbishop had been at the centre of various allegations and events which had raised concerns about the integrity and reputation of the Church of Nigeria.
Ndukuba referenced the letters to administrative panels established to investigate the developments, particularly a visitation team led by the Dean of the Church of Nigeria, whose report had been submitted and considered.
He cited a meeting with Ibezim on Friday, 9 October, during which the visitation team’s report was discussed, noting that it formed the basis for the decision taken.
According to the letter, the action was taken pursuant to Section 29(1) of Chapter V of the Constitution and Canons of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), 2020, which grants the Primate general authority and supervision over the Church and its inherent powers.
The Primate explained that the administrative measure was intended to allow a fair and thorough investigation into the allegations, while creating room for the restoration of peace and reconciliation in the Diocese of Awka.
He clarified that the six months’ leave did not constitute a disciplinary sanction, but an administrative step to facilitate an impartial inquiry into the state of affairs in the diocese.
“The letter directed Ibezim to proceed on leave for an initial period of six months, or such other revised period as the Church leadership might consider necessary,” the statement read.
“During the period, Ezeofor is to assume and exercise episcopal responsibilities and oversight of both the Diocese of Awka and the Province of the Niger.
“Ibezim is barred from officiating any activities of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the Province of the Niger or the Anglican Diocese of Awka throughout the period of his leave.”
The Primate further instructed Archbishop Ibezim to prepare for and effect an immediate handover of his responsibilities to Ezeofor at his office before leaving.
Copies of the letter were also sent to Ezeofor, the Chancellor and Registrar of the Church of Nigeria, the Provincial Council of the Province of the Niger and the Diocesan Board of the Diocese of Awka.
Though the letter did not specify the nature of the allegations against Ibezim or provide details of the findings contained in the visitation team’s report, it was gathered that the Archbishop was recently accused of selling church lands valued at over ₦2 billion without authorisation.
The allegation, which snowballed into a major legal and ecclesiastical crisis, culminated in speculation that officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) wanted to arrest the Archbishop, in reaction to a petition dated 28 July and submitted to the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the EFCC by Chief G. Tagbo (SAN) of Ike Ike Associates, on behalf of Echezona Onuigbo, a church member at St. Faith Cathedral, Awka.
The arrest was, however, stalled by the Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka through an order granted by Justice F.I. Aniukwu in response to a motion ex parte dated 4 September 2025. The motion was filed by the Archbishop through his legal counsel, B.E.I. Nwofor (SAN).
Meanwhile, the controversy had led to the sacking of the Chancellor of the Diocese of Awka, Hon Justice O. J. Okeke (retd), by the Archbishop.
