A major leadership crisis has emerged within the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), as the Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, has been directed to proceed on six months’ leave amid investigations into allegations and developments within the diocese.
The controversy reportedly centres on allegations that church-owned lands valued at more than ₦2 billion were sold without the necessary authorisation. The allegations prompted a petition submitted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on July 28, 2025, on behalf of Echezona Onuigbo, a member of St. Faith Cathedral, Awka.
The petition alleged that the disputed land transactions were carried out without the approval of the diocese’s Board of Trustees. Ibezim has dismissed the accusations as false and an attempt to tarnish his image.
The directive for Ibezim to proceed to leave was issued by the Primate of All Nigeria, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, in a letter dated October 13, 2026. During the period, Ibezim is prohibited from officiating at activities of the Church of Nigeria, the Province of the Niger and the Diocese of Awka.
The Primate also appointed the Bishop of Aguata Diocese, Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor, as Supervising Bishop of Awka Diocese and Coordinating Bishop of the Province of the Niger, with instructions to assume episcopal responsibilities during Ibezim’s absence.
In September 2025, the Anambra State High Court reportedly issued an interim order restraining the EFCC from arresting or detaining Ibezim in connection with the matter. The order was temporary and related to the pending proceedings.
The church subsequently undertook administrative investigations, including a visitation exercise led by the Dean of the Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Blessing Enyindah.
According to reports, the Primate’s October 13 letter referred to the visitation team’s report and a meeting with Ibezim on October 9, during which the report was discussed.
In a fresh development reported on October 16, 2026, Ibezim reportedly approached the Anambra State High Court in Awka to challenge the church leadership’s handling of the matter. The suit, identified as A/371/2026, names Primate Henry Ndukuba and the Church’s Dean, Most Rev. Blessing Enyindah, as defendants.
According to reports on the court filings, Ibezim is asking the court to determine the constitutional and canonical procedures applicable to disciplinary action against a serving bishop. He is also seeking an injunction to restrain the defendants from suspending, removing or retiring him without following the prescribed procedures.
The filing represents a legal challenge to the church leadership’s actions; it does not, by itself, establish whether the claims in the suit will succeed.
Importantly, reports on the Primate’s letter state that the six-month leave is an administrative measure intended to facilitate an impartial investigation and restore peace within the diocese, rather than a disciplinary sanction.
The letter reportedly invokes Section 29(1) of Chapter V of the Church of Nigeria’s Constitution and Canons, 2020, as the basis for the Primate’s supervisory authority.
Ibezim’s court challenge, however, raises questions about the procedures governing disciplinary action against a serving bishop. The outcome of the legal proceedings and the church’s investigations remains to be established.