“What Is Hard About Stepping Aside for Probe?” – Joe Vicar Backs Suspension of Ibezim, Questions ₦2.1bn Land Sale Allegations [VIDEO]

US-based Nigerian broadcaster, cleric and YouTuber, Joe Vicar, has weighed in on the leadership crisis rocking the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Awka Diocese, expressing support for the Primate’s suspension of Archbishop Alexander Ibezim amid allegations surrounding a disputed land sale.

Vicar questioned why Ibezim could not step aside to allow an investigation into the allegations to proceed, arguing that church leaders should be held accountable when serious questions arise about their conduct.

The broadcaster also criticised the Archbishop’s reported threat to separate from the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, amid the ongoing dispute between him and the Primate.

Speaking on the controversy, Vicar urged members of the public to avoid taking sides without understanding the issues surrounding the crisis, stressing the need for a thorough investigation before reaching conclusions.

How the ₦2.1 Billion Allegation Emerged

Vicar traced the controversy to 2025, when reports emerged online alleging that Ibezim had been questioned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the alleged misappropriation of ₦2.1 billion reportedly generated from the sale of diocesan land.

According to Vicar, he travelled to Atlanta, United States, after learning that the Archbishop was scheduled to attend a programme there, where he interviewed him about the controversy.

The broadcaster said his intervention was intended to provide the public with more information about the dispute rather than encourage people to support either side blindly.

He maintained that although his personal views did not necessarily align with those of the Primate or Ibezim, he would not allow personal feelings to determine his position on the matter.

Vicar consequently urged members of the public to remember the church in their prayers while allowing the relevant issues to be investigated.

The allegations surrounding the land transaction and the reported EFCC involvement have not been independently verified in this report. An allegation of financial wrongdoing does not, in itself, establish guilt.

Former Diocesan Chancellor’s Objections to Peace Meeting

The broadcaster also referred to an account involving the then Chancellor of the Awka Diocese, Sir Justice O.J. Okeke, concerning efforts to resolve the dispute in August 2025.

According to the account cited by Vicar, Okeke reportedly indicated in a communication dated August 21, 2025, that he had taken the land-sale matter to the EFCC.

The account further alleged that the Primate subsequently initiated efforts to broker peace among the parties.

However, Okeke reportedly declined an invitation from Canon Chukwukamma to attend a proposed meeting, outlining several reasons for his decision.

Among his objections, as presented in the account, was the argument that a person should not be expected to serve as a judge in their own case.

He also reportedly questioned the composition of a diocesan board meeting, alleging that individuals who were not board members had participated in its proceedings.

Additionally, Okeke allegedly accused the Arch Bishop Ibezim of allowing supporters to insult him during a previous meeting on August 18, 2025.

The account further claimed that he was given insufficient time to speak and raised concerns about an alleged forgery of his signature in connection with the sale of land.

These claims form part of the competing accounts surrounding the crisis and require independent verification.

Ibezim’s Position on EFCC Involvement

During his programme, Vicar played an excerpt from an interview he had conducted with Ibezim, in which the Archbishop reportedly criticised the decision to take an internal church dispute to the EFCC.

In the recorded remarks, Ibezim argued that matters involving church leadership should be handled within the church’s established structures rather than taken outside the institution.

He reportedly maintained that involving the anti-graft agency in such a dispute was inappropriate and could damage the reputation of the church.

The remarks highlight a central disagreement in the controversy: whether the allegations should be addressed internally by church authorities or subjected to external investigation by the relevant law-enforcement agency.

Vicer Condemns Threat to Leave Anglican Communion

Vicar also criticised Ibezim over his reported threat to separate from the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, describing the development as a cause for concern amid the ongoing leadership dispute.

The broadcaster further questioned the motives of individuals who had reportedly expressed support for the Archbishop, describing those who passed a vote of confidence in him as his loyalists and praise singers.

He argued that public support for a church leader should not prevent serious allegations from being investigated.

Vicar also questioned why Ibezim could not temporarily step aside while the issues surrounding the land transaction and the leadership dispute were examined.

“What is hard for someone to step aside for an investigation to go through?” he asked.

The broadcaster said he supported the Primate’s suspension order against Ibezim, arguing that an investigation should be allowed to proceed without being influenced by personal loyalty or emotional attachment.

Calls for Caution Amid Church Leadership Crisis

The dispute has generated controversy among church members and other stakeholders, particularly over the allegations surrounding the land sale, the authority of the Primate and the reported threat of separation by the Awka Diocese leadership.

Vicar urged members of the public to exercise caution, insisting that people should not defend individuals solely because of personal relationships or religious affiliations.

He concluded by warning against applying different standards depending on the person involved in a controversy.

“We should not change the goal post when it affects someone we love,” he said.

The allegations against Ibezim, the circumstances surrounding the disputed land transaction and the competing claims by the parties remain matters requiring clarification and independent verification.

Watch vvideo below…