The Diocese of Awka of the Anglican Communion has rejected the directive by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Most Revd Henry C. Ndukuba, ordering Archbishop Alexander C. Ibezim to proceed on six months’ compulsory leave, describing the decision as unlawful and unconstitutional.
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 would not tolerate any interference in its affairs.
The positions 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 was signed by Sir B.E.I. Nwofor, SAN, Lord Chancellor of the Diocese; Ven. K.E.N. Chukwukamma, PhD, Synod Secretary; and Mr Eugene Chukwudi Okonkwo, Lay Synod Secretary.
The board said it had carefully considered a letter dated October 13, 2026, issued by the Primate, before unanimously rejecting its directives concerning Archbishop Ibezim and the administration of the diocese.
According to the board, the appointment of Ezeofor and the compulsory leave directive were made despite pending court cases involving Ibezim, the Primate and other parties.
It cited three cases before the High Court of Anambra State: Suit No. A/Misc. 446/2025, involving Ibezim and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC); Suit No. A/Misc. 494/2026, involving Ibezim and the Inspector-General of Police and others; and Suit No. A/371/2026, involving Ibezim, Ndukuba and another party.
The board argued that the issues raised in the cases remained before the court and that the parties should refrain from actions capable of interfering with the judicial process.
It further alleged that existing injunctions and pending applications for injunctive relief concerning the matter had not been given due consideration, warning that actions capable of pre-empting the court's decision could have legal consequences.
The communiqué also questioned the authority of the Primate to direct a fellow bishop and archbishop to proceed on compulsory leave or appoint another bishop to assume his responsibilities.
It maintained that neither the 2020 Constitution and Canons of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) nor the 2023 Constitution and Regulations of the Diocese of Awka empowered the Primate to take such action.
The board specifically disputed the application of Section 29(1) of the church's constitution, which it said did not confer the powers exercised in the October 13 letter.
It also argued that the directive violated Sections 36(5) and 38(1) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, as amended, relating to the presumption of innocence and freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
On the stated objective of facilitating an impartial investigation and promoting peace and reconciliation, the board alleged that the Primate had previously constituted two panels to investigate allegations against Ibezim.
It identified the first panel, headed by Justice Babashola Ogunade, as having been constituted in August 2025, while the second, headed by Archbishop Blessing Enyindah, was established in June 2026.
According to the board, both panels had submitted their reports to the Primate, but the findings had not been released.
The board argued that withholding the reports violated provisions of the church's Constitution and Canons requiring the findings and recommendations of such panels to be submitted to the Episcopal Synod for consideration, with further review and ratification by the appropriate church authorities.
The diocese consequently reaffirmed its confidence in Ibezim, insisting that he remained the Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese and should continue discharging his official responsibilities.
It described the diocese as peaceful, united and progressive, while expressing confidence in Ibezim's integrity, competence, commitment and leadership.
The board also dismissed allegations of financial impropriety against the archbishop, declaring that no diocesan funds had been missing, stolen, misused or misappropriated by him. It further claimed that the two investigative panels had not indicted him for financial misconduct.
However, these assertions reflect the position of the Diocesan Board, and the allegations and legal issues cited in the communiqué remain subject to the relevant proceedings and any official findings.
Commending Ibezim for what it described as significant infrastructural development across the diocese, the board urged him to remain focused on his duties despite the ongoing controversy.
It also warned Ezeofor against interfering in the affairs of Awka Diocese, urging him to concentrate on his responsibilities as Bishop of Aguata Diocese.
The board said it would not hesitate to seek legal remedies and involve law enforcement agencies if its warning was ignored.
In a further directive, the board instructed all organs of Awka Diocese to remain loyal to Ibezim and continue their lawful activities, while rejecting directives or interference from Ezeofor. It warned that non-compliance could attract appropriate sanctions.
The communiqué concluded with a strong warning to the Primate and Ezeofor, stating that the diocese could withdraw from the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and continue under the Church of England if what it described as unlawful interference in its affairs persisted.
The latest development signals a deepening dispute within the Anglican Church, with the Awka Diocesan Board insisting that the leadership question and related allegations should be handled in accordance with the church's governing instruments and the rule of law.
As of the issuance of the communiqué, the board's position was that Ibezim remained in office and should continue to exercise his episcopal responsibilities.
The positions of the Primate and Ezeofor on the claims and threats contained in the communiqué were not included in the document.
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