The Diocese of Awka of the Anglican Communion has rejected the directive by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Revd Henry C. Ndukuba, ordering the Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Revd Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, to proceed on six months’ compulsory leave.
The diocese also rejected the appointment of the Bishop of Aguata Diocese, Rt Revd 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 and continue with the Church of England if what it described as interference in its affairs persists.
The decisions were contained in a communiqué issued after an emergency meeting of the Diocesan Board held on Friday, October 16, 2026, at the Chapel of Divine Favour, Anglican Village, Ifite-Awka, Anambra State.
The communiqué, signed by the Lord Chancellor of the diocese, Sir B.E.I. Nwofor, SAN; Synod Secretary, Ven. K.E.N. Chukwukamma, PhD; and Lay Synod Secretary, Mr Eugene Chukwudi Okonkwo, said the board rejected in its entirety a letter dated October 13, 2026, issued by the Primate.
Diocese Cites Pending Court Cases
The board argued that the directive and the appointment of Ezeofor were made while several court cases involving Archbishop Ibezim and other parties remained pending before the High Court of Anambra State.
It listed three cases, including suits involving Ibezim and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Inspector-General of Police, and another suit against Primate Ndukuba and a second defendant.
According to the communiqué, the cases concern allegations made against Ibezim, which the board said had yet to be determined by the courts.
The board further claimed that there were subsisting injunction orders issued by the Anambra State High Court in September 2025, as well as pending applications for injunction in the suit involving Ndukuba.
It maintained that the church leadership should refrain from actions that could interfere with the subject matter of the pending cases or pre-empt the court’s decisions.
The board described the appointment of a supervising bishop and the directive compelling Ibezim to proceed on leave as unlawful, arguing that the actions could undermine the judicial process.
Board Questions Constitutional Authority
The Awka Diocesan Board also 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 empowered the Primate to compel a fellow bishop and archbishop to proceed on six months’ leave.
It specifically challenged Ndukuba’s reliance on Section 29(1) of the church’s 2020 Constitution and Canons, insisting that the provision did not authorise the Primate to suspend Ibezim’s episcopal duties or transfer his responsibilities to another bishop during the period of the purported leave.
The board further alleged that the directive violated Sections 36(5) and 38(1) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, as amended, which provide for the presumption of innocence in criminal proceedings and freedom of thought, conscience and religion, respectively.
It described the decision as unjust and oppressive, maintaining that allegations against Ibezim should be handled through the established procedures of the church and the courts.
Accuses Primate of Withholding Inquiry Reports
The board also questioned the justification given for the compulsory leave, which it said was intended to facilitate an impartial inquiry into the affairs of the diocese and promote peace and reconciliation.
According to the communiqué, Ndukuba had previously constituted two panels to investigate allegations against Ibezim, but their reports had allegedly not been released.
It identified the first panel as one headed by Justice Babashola Ogunade, constituted through a letter dated August 13, 2025, and the second as one headed by Archbishop Blessing Enyindah, constituted through a letter dated June 17, 2026.
The board alleged that withholding the reports violated provisions of the church’s 2020 Constitution and Canons requiring the submission of findings and recommendations for consideration by the appropriate church authorities.
It cited Sections 75 and 76 of the church’s constitution, arguing that the established procedures provide for consideration of panel reports by the Episcopal Synod, followed by the relevant approval and ratification processes.
The allegations concerning the inquiry reports were presented by the Diocesan Board in its communiqué.
Board Declares Confidence in Ibezim
Despite the dispute, the board reaffirmed its confidence in Ibezim, declaring that he remained the Bishop of Awka Diocese and Archbishop of the Province of the Niger.
It said he should continue performing the duties attached to his offices, while expressing confidence in his integrity, competence, commitment and devotion to the church.
The board also declared that Awka Diocese remained peaceful, united and progressive.
On the financial allegations reportedly associated with the controversy, the communiqué categorically stated that no diocesan funds had been missing, stolen, misused or misappropriated by Ibezim.
It further claimed that neither of the two inquiry panels had indicted him for financial misconduct.
The board also commended the archbishop for what it described as significant infrastructural development projects completed in the diocese, urging him to continue his work without distraction.
Warns Ezeofor Against Interference
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 not hesitate to invoke the law and seek the intervention of law enforcement agencies if its warning was ignored.
The communiqué also directed all organs of Awka Diocese to remain loyal to Ibezim and continue their lawful activities, while rejecting directives from Ezeofor concerning the diocese.
It warned that disobedience to the directive could attract appropriate sanctions.
Threatens Withdrawal From Church of Nigeria
In a further escalation of the dispute, the board warned that it could withdraw from the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, and continue with the Church of England if Ndukuba and Ezeofor persisted in what it described as threats to the peace of the diocese and unlawful interference in its affairs.
The communiqué, dated October 16, 2026, was signed by Nwofor, Chukwukamma and Okonkwo on behalf of the Diocese of Awka.
