The Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of the Diocese of Awka, Most Rev. Alexander C. Ibezim, has been directed to proceed on a six-month leave of absence with immediate effect amid investigations into allegations and recent developments in the diocese.
The directive was contained in a letter issued by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Henry C. Ndukuba, on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, following a controversy over the alleged sale of church land without due process.
The Archbishop was reportedly accused last year of selling church land without following the provisions of the Diocesan Constitution.
However, Ibezim has dismissed the allegations as false, describing them as an attempt to tarnish his image.
Following the controversy, the Primate established a panel to investigate the allegations and ascertain the facts surrounding the disputed transactions.
The dispute has also resulted in the removal of the Chancellor of the Diocese of Awka, Hon. Justice O. J. Okeke (retd.), by Archbishop Ibezim, a development that has further heightened tensions among members of the church.
In the letter dated Tuesday, October 13, 2026, Ndukuba announced the appointment of the Bishop of the Diocese of Aguata, the 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.
Addressed to Ibezim, the letter stated that the decision followed recent developments in the Diocese of Awka, where the Archbishop had been at the centre of various allegations and events which, according to the Primate, had raised concerns about the integrity and reputation of the Church of Nigeria.
Ndukuba also referred to administrative panels established to investigate the developments, particularly a visitation team led by the Dean of the Church of Nigeria, whose report had been submitted and considered.
The Primate further cited a meeting with Ibezim on Friday, October 9, during which the report of the visitation team was discussed, as part of the circumstances that preceded the decision.
According to the letter, the action was taken pursuant to Section 29(1) of Chapter V of the Constitution and Canons of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), 2020, which grants the Primate general authority and supervisory powers over the Church, including the exercise of inherent powers.
Ndukuba explained that the administrative measure was intended to allow a fair and thorough investigation into the allegations while creating an opportunity for the restoration of peace and reconciliation in the Diocese of Awka.
He specifically clarified that the leave of absence did not constitute a disciplinary sanction but was an administrative measure designed to facilitate an impartial inquiry into the state of affairs in the diocese.
The letter directed Ibezim to proceed on leave for an initial period of six months, or for such other revised period as the Church leadership might consider necessary.
During this period, Ezeofor is to assume and exercise episcopal responsibilities and oversight of both the Diocese of Awka and the Province of the Niger.
Ibezim was also barred from officiating at any activities of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the Province of the Niger or the Anglican Diocese of Awka throughout his period of leave.
The Primate further instructed him to prepare for and effect an immediate handover of his responsibilities to Ezeofor at his office before proceeding on leave.
Copies of the letter were also sent 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 specify the precise nature of the allegations against Ibezim or provide details of the findings contained in the visitation team’s report.
Insideoutnewsng, investigation revealed gathered that the Archbishop was recently accused of selling church lands valued at more than ₦2 billion without authorisation.
The allegation has escalated into a major legal and ecclesiastical crisis, amid reports and speculation that officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) were seeking to arrest the Archbishop.
The development followed a petition dated July 28 and submitted to the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the EFCC by Chief G. Tagbo (SAN) of Ike Ike Associates on behalf of Echezona Onuigbo, a member of the church at St. Faith Cathedral, Awka.
However, the planned arrest was reportedly restrained by the Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka through an order granted by Justice F. I. Aniukwu.
The order followed a motion ex parte dated September 4, 2025, filed by the Archbishop, as the applicant, through his legal counsel, B. E. I. Nwofor (SAN).
