The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has directed Alexander Ibezim, the Bishop of Awka and Metropolitan Archbishop on the Niger in Anambra State, to proceed on six months’ compulsory leave as investigations continue into allegations and other developments within the Diocese of Awka.
The decision was announced by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Henry Ndukuba, in a letter dated October 13, 2026.
Under the directive, Ibezim is prohibited from officiating at church activities in the Province of the Niger and the Diocese of Awka throughout the period of his leave.
The church said the measure followed concerns arising from developments within the diocese, which had raised questions about its integrity and reputation.
According to the letter, reports from administrative panels established to examine the situation, including a visitation team led by the church’s dean, had been submitted and considered by the church leadership.
Ndukuba said the leave was intended to facilitate a fair and thorough investigation while creating an opportunity to restore peace and reconciliation within the diocese.
The letter stated that Ibezim was to proceed on leave with immediate effect for an initial period of six months, subject to any subsequent review.
The primate emphasised that the decision was an administrative measure and should not be interpreted as a disciplinary sanction.
Bishop Appointed to Oversee Diocese
As part of the arrangements, the church appointed Samuel Ezeofor, Bishop of Aguata, as the supervising bishop of the Diocese of Awka and coordinating bishop of the Province of the Niger during Ibezim’s absence.
Ezeofor is expected to assume episcopal responsibilities and provide oversight for the diocese throughout the period.
The directive also required Ibezim to hand over his responsibilities to the newly appointed supervising bishop.
The arrangement is intended to ensure continuity in the administration of the diocese while the church addresses the issues under investigation.
₦2 Billion Land-Sale Allegation
Although the primate’s letter did not specify the allegations against Ibezim, Premium Times reported that one of the issues under scrutiny concerns the alleged sale of church land valued at ₦2 billion without authorisation from the appropriate church authorities.
The report also stated that Echezona Onuigbo, a member of St Faith Cathedral in Awka, petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the matter in July 2025.
The controversy subsequently became the subject of legal proceedings after an Anambra State High Court restrained a planned arrest of the archbishop in September 2025.
However, the allegations have not been established as proven wrongdoing, and the church’s decision to place Ibezim on leave does not constitute a finding of guilt.
The investigation is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the reported transaction and other concerns raised about the administration of the diocese.
Church Seeks Fair Investigation and Reconciliation
The development comes as the church leadership seeks to address concerns about governance, accountability and internal relations within the Diocese of Awka.
By describing the leave as an administrative measure, the primate indicated that the immediate objective was to allow the inquiry to proceed while maintaining the church’s operations.
The outcome of the investigation will be important in determining whether any further administrative or disciplinary action is warranted.
For now, the allegations remain subject to investigation, and any conclusions about responsibility should await the findings of the appropriate authorities.
The church’s handling of the matter will also be closely watched by members of the diocese, particularly given the financial allegations and the importance of public confidence in religious institutions.