A major crisis has hit the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) in Anambra State following the decision of The Most Reverend Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, PhD, Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of the Diocese of Awka, to institute a high-profile legal action against the national leadership of the Church.
The court action comes in direct response to an official directive issued by the Primate of All Nigeria, The Most Reverend Henry C. Ndukuba, ordering Archbishop Ibezim to proceed on an immediate six-month administrative leave.
The Leave Directive
In a letter dated October 13, 2026, titled “Letter to Proceed on Leave as Bishop of the Diocese of Awka and Archbishop, Province of the Niger,” Primate Ndukuba instructed Archbishop Ibezim to step aside from his ecclesiastical duties for an initial period of six months.
The directive cited recent administrative panel investigations including findings by a Visitation Team led by the Dean of the Church of Nigeria into allegations that have cast doubt on the church’s reputation and administrative integrity in Awka.
Key highlights of the Primate’s order include:
Purpose: Described as an administrative measure rather than a formal disciplinary sanction, intended to ensure an impartial enquiry and promote peace and reconciliation.
Restrictions: Archbishop Ibezim is barred from officiating or participating in any official activities across the Diocese of Awka, the Province of the Niger, or the wider Church of Nigeria throughout the leave period.
Interim Leadership: The Rt. Rev’d Samuel Ezeofor, Bishop of the Diocese of Aguata, was appointed as Supervising Bishop for Awka Diocese and Coordinating Bishop for the Province of the Niger.
Statutory Basis: Issued pursuant to Section 29(1), Chapter V of the Constitution and Canons of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 2020.
The Legal Counter-Offensive in Awka
Refusing to vacate his seat, Archbishop Ibezim has taken the dispute to the civil courts in Anambra State. Through his legal team—led by B. E. I. Nwofor, SAN, alongside Dr. O. O. Komolafe, C. S. Ikeria, Esq., and Chief Ozoemena Onyali, SAN—the Archbishop filed an Originating Summons (Suit No. A/371/2026) and an accompanying Motion on Notice (Motion No. A/759M/2026) at the High Court of Anambra State in Awka.
The lawsuit names two key church leaders as defendants:
The Most Reverend Henry C. Ndukuba (Archbishop, Metropolitan, and Primate of All Nigeria).
The Most Reverend Blessing Enyindah (Dean of the Church of Nigeria and Chairman of the Visitation Team to Awka Diocese, whose panel creation the plaintiff challenges as illegal).
Reliefs Sought by Archbishop Ibezim
In court filings, Archbishop Ibezim is asking the High Court for:
Constitutional Declarations: A ruling that disciplining a serving Bishop must strictly comply with Sections 55, 75(1)–(5), and 76(1)–(5), as well as Canon XVI Sections 22–28 of the Church Constitution.
Tenure Protection: Affirmation of his right under Section 4, Canon X to remain in office until reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.
Interlocutory Injunction: An order restraining the Defendants, church committees, and subordinate clergy from issuing, serving, or enforcing any letter of suspension, forced leave, or removal against him.
Restraint on Interference: An injunction prohibiting any external interference with the administration of Awka Diocese without written consent from the Plaintiff, the Diocesan Board, Synod, and Registered Trustees.
