The Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, has gone to court for redress following his directive to proceed on six months compulsory leave.
The Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Henry C. Ndukuba, had in a letter dated October 13, 2026, ordered Ibezim to proceed on leave with immediate effect.
The Primate explained the decision was sequel to recent developments in Awka Diocese, including allegations of unauthorised sale of church land valued at over N2 billion, which he said raised concerns about the integrity and reputation of the Church.
He mentioned the report of a visitation team led by the Dean of the Church, Most Rev. Blessing Enyindah, and a meeting with Ibezim on October 9, as part of the process leading to the decision.
He also announced the appointment of the Bishop of Aguata, Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor, as Supervising Bishop of Awka Diocese and Coordinating Bishop of the Province of the Niger during the period, and barred Ibezim from officiating in any church activity throughout the leave.
He explained the action was taken under Section 29(1) of Chapter V of the Constitution and Canons of the Church of Nigeria, 2020, and was an administrative measure to allow fair investigation and restore peace, not a disciplinary sanction.
Dissatisfied with the procedure, Ibezim has filed a suit at the High Court of Anambra State, Awka Division, same October 13, seeking redress.
In the suit marked A/371/2026, filed through his lead counsel, B.E.I. Nwofor, SAN, he joined the Primate and the Dean as defendants.
He is praying the court to declare that the procedures for disciplining a serving bishop are as provided in Sections 55, 75 and 76 and Canon XVI, Sections 22, 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28 of the Constitution and Canons of the Church, and that the visitation team set up via letter dated June 17, 2026, was illegally constituted.
He is seeking an order of interlocutory injunction restraining the defendants from issuing any letter of suspension, removal, retirement or dismissal from his offices as Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka pending the determination of the substantive suit.
The cleric also seeks an order restraining them from interfering in the affairs of Awka Diocese without his written consent.