Archbishop Ibezim worships at Cathedral despite primatial order to proceed on compulsory leave as priests keep mum

By Handel Emmanuel and Ogonna Ezebebe | Ichie Times.

Despite last Tuesday, October 13, 2026 letter by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, directing the Archbishop Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim to proceed on compulsory six month leave, our correspondents can independently confirm that the embattled bishop presided over a church service at the Cathedral Church of St Faith, Awka, today October 18th, 2023.

Recall that this news platform reported on Friday of the Primate’s order including an instruction to the Archbishop not to preside over any church service within or outside the diocese.

We also reported that Archbishop Ibezim on the same day headed to court to challenge the decision of the Primate followed by a communique released by the Diocesan board rejecting the directive.

According to our correspondent who witnessed the church service today at the Cathedral, the Archbishop has openly defied Primate Ndukuba by public presiding over a church service publicly.

Meanwhile, in other Anglican Churches in Awka the state capital, priests of the Diocese remained silent on the matter.

During Sunday services that held today, the priests did not publicly comment on the directive or issue in general, leaving the matter unaddressed in their sermons and other public remarks.

Some priests as well rejected interviews from journalists, saying for now they cannot grant interview on any kind of topic, while some also committed the situation to Gods control through prayer, asking God to intercede.