The Diocese of Awka of the Anglican Communion has rejected a directive by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Archbishop Henry C. Ndukuba, ordering Archbishop Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim to proceed on six months’ compulsory leave.
The diocese also rejected the appointment of the Bishop of Aguata Diocese, Rt. Rev. Samuel C. Ezeofor, as supervising bishop of Awka Diocese and coordinating bishop of the Province of the Niger, warning that it could withdraw from the Church of Nigeria if what it described as interference in its affairs continues.
The position was contained in a communiqué issued after an emergency meeting of the Awka Diocesan Board held on Friday, October 16, 2026, at the Chapel of Divine Favour, Anglican Village, Ifite-Awka, Anambra State.
The meeting was convened to deliberate on a letter dated October 13, 2026, issued by Ndukuba concerning Ibezim’s position and the administration of the diocese.
In the communiqué signed by the diocesan Lord Chancellor, Sir B.E.I. Nwofor, SAN; Synod Secretary, Ven. K.E.N. Chukwukamma, PhD; and Lay Synod Secretary, Eugene Chukwudi Okonkwo, the board described the directive and the appointment of Ezeofor as unacceptable.
Board Cites Pending Court Cases
The diocesan board argued that the decisions were taken despite ongoing legal proceedings involving Ibezim and other parties before the High Court of Anambra State.
It referenced three cases: Suit No. A/Misc. 446/2025, involving Ibezim and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC); Suit No. A/Misc. 494/2026, involving Ibezim, the Inspector-General of Police and others; and Suit No. A/371/2026, involving Ibezim, Ndukuba and another party.
According to the board, the cases concern allegations against Ibezim and remain pending before the court.
It maintained that church authorities should refrain from taking actions that could interfere with the issues before the court until the cases are determined.
The board further alleged that existing injunctions and pending applications for injunctive relief had not been adequately considered before the directive was issued.
Board Questions Primate’s Authority
The communiqué also challenged the legal and constitutional basis for ordering Ibezim to embark on compulsory leave and appointing another bishop to assume his responsibilities.
The board argued that neither the Constitution and Canons of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), 2020, nor the Constitution and Regulations of the Diocese of Awka, 2023, expressly authorises the Primate to impose such compulsory leave or transfer the archbishop’s episcopal responsibilities to another bishop in the manner described.
It specifically questioned Ndukuba’s reliance on Section 29(1) of the church’s 2020 Constitution and Canons, insisting that the provision does not confer the powers exercised in the October 13 letter.
The board also contended that the directive violated Ibezim’s constitutional rights, citing Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, as amended, which provides for the presumption of innocence in criminal proceedings, and Section 38(1), which guarantees freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
These arguments represent the board’s position on the dispute.
Board Accuses Primate of Withholding Inquiry Reports
The Awka Diocesan Board questioned the explanation that Ibezim’s compulsory leave was intended to facilitate an impartial investigation into the affairs of the diocese and promote peace and reconciliation.
It alleged that Ndukuba had previously established two separate panels to investigate allegations against the archbishop but had yet to release their reports.
According to the communiqué, the first panel was constituted in a letter dated August 13, 2025, and headed by Justice Babashola Ogunade, while the second was established through a letter dated June 17, 2026, under the leadership of Archbishop Blessing Enyindah.
The board argued that the reports should be presented to the appropriate church authorities for consideration in line with Sections 75 and 76 of the Church of Nigeria’s 2020 Constitution and Canons.
It maintained that the prescribed procedures provide for consideration of panel findings and recommendations by the relevant synodical bodies before final decisions are reached.
Diocese Declares Confidence in Ibezim
Despite the controversy, the board reaffirmed its confidence in Ibezim, insisting that he remains the legitimate Bishop of Awka Diocese and Archbishop of the Province of the Niger.
It directed diocesan organs to remain loyal to him and continue their lawful activities, warning against accepting directives from Ezeofor that the board considers interference in the diocese’s administration.
The communiqué also described Awka Diocese as peaceful, united and progressive.
On the allegations surrounding the diocese’s finances, the board categorically denied that any diocesan funds had been missing, stolen, misused or misappropriated by Ibezim.
It further claimed that neither of the two investigative panels had indicted the archbishop for financial misconduct.
The board praised Ibezim for what it described as significant infrastructural development across the diocese and urged him to continue his work without distraction.
Warning to Bishop Ezeofor
The board warned Ezeofor against interfering in the affairs of Awka Diocese, urging him to concentrate on his responsibilities as Bishop of Aguata Diocese.
It cautioned that it would consider legal action and seek the intervention of law enforcement agencies if its warning was disregarded.
The board also warned that continued actions it considers unlawful interference in the diocese’s affairs could trigger further measures.
Threatens Withdrawal From Church of Nigeria
In its strongest warning, the Awka Diocesan Board declared that the diocese could withdraw from the Church of Nigeria and continue its relationship with the Church of England if Ndukuba and Ezeofor persisted in what it described as threats to the peace of the diocese and interference in its leadership.
The board maintained that it would not accept actions it believes undermine Ibezim’s position or disrupt the administration of the diocese.
The communiqué was dated October 16, 2026, in Awka, Anambra State.
