*Orders him to proceed on 6-months leave
The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has directed the Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of the Diocese of Awka, Most Rev. Alexander C. Ibezim, to proceed on six months leave with immediate effect amid an investigation into issues that had created rift within the diocese.
The directive was contained in a letter dated Tuesday, October 13, 2026, issued by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Henry C. Ndukuba.
In the letter, Most Rev. Ndukuba appointed the Bishop of the Diocese of Aguata, Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor, as the Supervising Bishop of the Diocese of Awka and Coordinating Bishop of the Province of the Niger during Ibezim’s absence.
In the letter addressed to Ibezim, Ndukuba noted that the decision followed developments in the Diocese of Awka that had raised concerns about the “integrity and reputation of the Church of Nigeria”.
He cited administrative investigations into the matter, particularly the report of a Visitation Team led by the Dean of the Church of Nigeria, which had been submitted to and considered by the church leadership.
The Primate also referred to a meeting with Ibezim on Friday, October 9, during which the Visitation Team’s report was discussed.
Ndukuba said the directive was issued under Section 29(1) of Chapter V of the Constitution and Canons of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), 2020, which provides for the Primate’s general authority and supervisory powers over the church.
He explained that the leave was “intended to facilitate a fair and thorough investigation, while creating an opportunity to restore peace and promote reconciliation within the Diocese of Awka”.
The Primate stressed that “the decision should not be interpreted as a disciplinary sanction, but as an administrative measure designed to allow an impartial inquiry into the issues affecting the diocese”.
According to the letter, the leave would initially last six months, although the church leadership could review the arrangement if necessary.
During the period, Ezeofor is to assume Episcopal responsibilities and oversee the affairs of both the Diocese of Awka and the Province of the Niger.
Ibezim was also directed not to officiate at any activities of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the Province of the Niger or the Diocese of Awka throughout the leave period.
The Primate further instructed the Archbishop to make immediate arrangements to handover his responsibilities to Ezeofor at his office before departing.
Copies of the letter were 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.
Although the Primate’s letter did not specify the allegations against Ibezim or disclose the findings of the visitation team, reports have linked the controversy to allegations that the archbishop sold some lands belonging to the Church valued at more than ₦2 billion without authorisation.
The allegations reportedly sparked legal and ecclesiastical disputes, as well as reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was seeking to arrest the Archbishop.
The development followed a petition dated July 28, 2025 and submitted to the EFCC’s Enugu Zonal Directorate by Chief G. Tagbo (SAN) of Ike Ike Associates on behalf of Echezona Onuigbo, a member of St. Faith Cathedral, Awka.
An attempted arrest was reportedly restrained by the Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka following an order granted by Justice F. I. Aniukwu in response to a motion ex-parte dated September 4, 2025.
The application was filed by Ibezim through his counsel, B. E. I. Nwofor (SAN).
The controversy also reportedly led to the removal of the Chancellor of the Diocese of Awka, Hon. Justice O. J. Okeke (rtd.), by the Archbishop.
However, the circumstances surrounding the allegations and the outcome of the church’s investigations remain unclear.
The Primate’s letter did not identify the specific allegations under investigation or details the visitation team’s findings.
The six-month leave and the appointment of Ezeofor represent a significant leadership change for the Diocese of Awka and the Province of the Niger as the Church of Nigeria seeks to address the concerns and restore stability.
