Anglican Church Directs Archbishop Ibezim To Proceed On Compulsory Six Month Leave

By Ogonna Ezebebe|Ichie Times

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has directed the Bishop of Awka Diocese and Archbishop of the Province of the Niger, Most Rev. Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, to proceed on a six-month leave to allow for a thorough investigation into allegations surrounding the diocese.

The directive was contained in a letter dated Tuesday, October 13, 2026, signed by the Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria, the Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba.

The letter, addressed to Ibezim, said the decision followed recent developments in the Diocese of Awka, where various allegations and unfortunate events had raised concerns about the integrity and reputation of the Church of Nigeria.

According to the Primate, the decision also followed reports submitted by administrative panels established to investigate the events in the diocese, particularly the Visitation Team led by the Dean of the Church of Nigeria.

The letter stated that the reports had been duly considered, including at a meeting with Ibezim on Friday, October 9, 2026.

Ndukuba said the administrative action was taken pursuant to Section 29(1) of Chapter V of the Constitution and Canons of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 2020, which vests the Primate with general authority and supervision over the Church and its administrative affairs.

He explained that the measure was intended to facilitate a fair and thorough investigation into the allegations and promote peace and reconciliation in the Diocese of Awka.

The Primate, however, clarified that the leave was an administrative measure and did not constitute a disciplinary sanction against the archbishop.

As part of the arrangement, the Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor, Bishop of the Diocese of Aguata, was appointed 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 all episcopal responsibilities and oversight of the Diocese of Awka and the Province of the Niger for the duration of the leave.

The letter further directed Ibezim to refrain from officiating at any activities of the Church of Nigeria, the Province of the Niger and the Diocese of Awka during the period.

He was also instructed to prepare and effect an immediate handover to Ezeofor at his office.

The Primate expressed the hope that the administrative measure would help restore peace and reconciliation while ensuring that the allegations were thoroughly investigated.

Copies of the letter were sent to the Supervising and Coordinating Bishop, the Chancellor of the Church of Nigeria, the Registrar, the Provincial Council of the Province of the Niger and the Diocesan Board of the Diocese of Awka.