AWKA, NIGERIA — A high-stakes ecclesiastical war has erupted within the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) following the dramatic suspension of the Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka, Most Reverend Alexander Ibezim. In a swift counter-offensive, the embattled cleric has dragged the Primate of the Church, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, to court, setting the stage for one of the most explosive legal showdowns in Nigerian church history.
The Climax: 6 Months’ Compulsory Leave & Stripped Powers
In an official letter, Primate Ndukuba directed Archbishop Ibezim to proceed on a six-month compulsory leave with immediate effect.
According to church hierarchy directives:
- Total Ban: Archbishop Ibezim is strictly barred from officiating or conducting any ecclesiastical duties across the Anglican Diocese of Awka, the Province of the Niger, or the broader Church of Nigeria.
- Interim Leadership: The Bishop of the Diocese of Aguata, Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor, has been appointed as the Supervising Bishop of Awka Diocese and Coordinating Bishop of the Province of the Niger throughout the period of investigation.
The Core Allegations: ₦2 Billion Church Land Sale & Power Tussle
At the heart of the crisis is a storm of controversial allegations centering on an alleged ₦2 billion church land transaction and claims that Archbishop Ibezim acted repeatedly without canonical authority.
The suspension followed the submission of a report by a high-powered visitation panel led by the Dean of the Church of Nigeria, which investigated mounting petitions surrounding the Diocese of Awka. The Primate noted that the decision was imperative to protect the “integrity and reputation of the Church of Nigeria” amidst rising public and internal scrutiny.
Adding fuel to the fire, Archbishop Ibezim recently sacked the Chancellor of the Diocese of Awka, Hon. Justice O. J. Okeke (retd), further deepening factional lines within the diocese.
The Clash of Robes and Gowns: Ibezim Strikes Back in Court
Refusing to bow to the Primate’s directives, Archbishop Ibezim has taken the sacred conflict to the secular temple of justice.
In a suit filed against Primate Henry Ndukuba and the church leadership, Ibezim is asking the court for:
- Interpretation of Church Law: A judicial determination on the proper interpretation and application of constitutional and canonical provisions governing the powers, duties, and limits of the Primate’s office.
- Injunction: Restraining orders against the Primate from enforcing the suspension or interfering with his episcopal duties in Awka Diocese.
Key Highlights at a Glance
| Parameter | Details |
| Key Figure Suspended | Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim (Bishop of Awka & Archbishop, Province of the Niger) |
| Sanctioning Authority | Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba (Primate, Church of Nigeria) |
| Punishment Imposed | 6-Month Compulsory Leave & Ban from Episcopal Duties |
| Interim Replacement | Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor (Bishop of Aguata) |
| Primary Allegation | Alleged ₦2B Diocesan Land Sale & Unauthorized Actions |
| Legal Status | Civil Lawsuit Filed by Ibezim Against the Primate |
ABT NEWS Editorial Note: As the sacred altars give way to courtrooms, the faithful across Anambra State and the entire Anglican Communion remain on edge. Will canon law prevail over court injunctions, or will this landmark legal challenge reshape church authority in Nigeria forever? Keep following www.abtnews.net for real-time updates on this unfolding drama.
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