Awka Anglican Diocese rejects Primate Henry Ndukuba over a compulsory leave order.
The Diocesan Board of the Diocese of Awka, Anglican Communion, has rejected a directive ordering Archbishop Alexander Ibezim to take a six-month compulsory leave. The decision was issued by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, amid ongoing administrative tensions.
The emergency meeting took place on Friday, October 16, 2026, at the Chapel of Divine Favour in Ifite-Awka, Anambra State. Church leaders strongly opposed both the leave directive and the appointment of a supervising bishop, warning of potential separation from the wider church body.
Legal representatives and synod officials signed a formal communiqué detailing their grievances, according to information published by The Sun Nigeria.
Awka Diocese Rejects Compulsory Leave For Archbishop Ibezim
The Diocesan Board emphatically rejected the letter from Primate Henry Ndukuba, dated October 13, 2026. The directive had ordered Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim, who serves as the Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, to step aside for six months following investigations into allegations of fund misuse and local crisis.
Church officials challenged the Primate reliance on Section 29(1) of the Constitution and Canons of the Church of Nigeria 2020. They argued that this legal provision does not empower the Primate to compel another bishop to proceed on leave and transfer duties to an interim cleric.
Legal Battles And Court Cases Involving Church Leaders
The board also opposed the appointment of Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor, the Bishop of Aguata Diocese, as the Supervising Bishop of Awka Diocese. They cited three pending cases currently before the Anambra State High Court involving high-ranking religious and law enforcement figures.
The listed suits include case No. A/Misc. 446/2025 involving Ibezim and the EFCC, case No. A/Misc. 494/2026 involving the Inspector-General of Police, and case No. A/371/2026 involving Ibezim and Ndukuba. The board stressed that all parties must respect ongoing litigation.
Threat Of Secession To The Church Of England
Describing the decisions as draconian, oppressive, and vindictive, the board argued that Archbishop Ibezim should retain his active status under the presumption of innocence guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution. They warned against any unlawful interference in diocesan affairs.
The communiqué issued by Sir B.E.I. Nwofor, Ven. K.E.N. Chukwukamma, and Eugene Okonkwo stated a clear ultimatum. If the interference continues, the diocese threatened to withdraw from the Church of Nigeria and align directly with the Church of England.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Primate order Archbishop Ibezim on leave?
Primate Henry Ndukuba issued the directive following investigations into allegations of misuse and misappropriation of funds, along with recent administrative crises within the Awka Diocese.
Who was appointed to replace Archbishop Ibezim temporarily?
Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor, the Bishop of Aguata Diocese, was appointed as the Supervising Bishop of Awka Diocese and Coordinating Bishop of the Province of the Niger.
What is the response of the Awka Diocesan Board?
The board rejected the directive entirely, cited pending court cases, and threatened to withdraw from the Church of Nigeria to join the Church of England if the decisions are not reversed.
