The Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, has directed the Archbishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim, to proceed on six months’ leave with immediate effect, following allegations linked to the sale of church lands.
The directive was contained in a letter dated Tuesday, October 13, 2026. It also appointed the Bishop of Aguata, Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor, as Supervising Bishop of the Diocese of Awka and Coordinating Bishop of the Province of the Niger during Ibezim’s absence.
According to the letter, the decision followed recent developments in the Awka Diocese, where the archbishop has been at the centre of allegations and events that raised concerns about the integrity and reputation of the Church of Nigeria.
Ndukuba referred to administrative panels set up to look into the matter, particularly a visitation team led by the Dean of the Church of Nigeria. He said the team’s report had been submitted and considered, and that it was discussed with Ibezim at a meeting on Friday, October 9, which formed the basis for the decision.
The Primate said he acted under Section 29(1) of Chapter V of the Constitution and Canons of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), 2020, which gives him general authority and supervision over the Church.
He stated that the leave is not a disciplinary sanction but an administrative step to allow a fair and impartial inquiry, while creating room for peace and reconciliation in the diocese.
“The letter directed Ibezim to proceed on leave for an initial period of six months, or such other revised period as the Church leadership might consider necessary,” the Primate said.
“During the period, Ezeofor is to assume and exercise episcopal responsibilities and oversight of both the Diocese of Awka and the Province of the Niger.
“Ibezim is barred from officiating any activities of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the Province of the Niger or the Anglican Diocese of Awka throughout the period of his leave.”
Ibezim was also instructed to hand over his responsibilities to Ezeofor at his office immediately before leaving.
The letter was copied 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 letter did not state the nature of the allegations or the findings of the visitation team, it was gathered that the archbishop was recently accused of selling church lands valued at over ₦2 billion without authorisation.
The allegation grew into a major legal and ecclesiastical crisis, with speculation that operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) planned to arrest him. This followed a petition dated July 28, 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.
The arrest was, however, stalled by the Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka. Justice F.I. Aniukwu granted an order in response to an ex parte motion dated September 4, 2025, filed on the archbishop’s behalf by his counsel, B.E.I. Nwofor (SAN).
The controversy also led the archbishop to sack the Chancellor of the Awka Diocese, Hon. Justice O. J. Okeke (retd).
READ ALSO:
- Africa’s Future Will Stall Without Young People at the Decision Table
- Anglican Church Suspends Awka Archbishop Ibezim Over Alleged ₦2bn Land Scandal
- APC Campaign Council Visits Olubadan Ladoja, Seeks Support for Tinubu’s 2027 Re-election
- 2027: Gbenga Daniel Urges Nigerians to Choose Performance Over Propaganda
- Osun Monarch, Oba Enoch Akinyemi, Joins Ancestors at 85
