The Diocese of Awka, Anglican Communion, has passed a vote of confidence on the Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim, rejected the directive asking him to proceed on six months’ compulsory leave and threatened to withdraw from the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, if what it described as intimidation and interference in its affairs continues.
The position was contained in a communique issued after an emergency meeting of the Diocesan Board held on October 16, 2026, at the Chapel of Divine Favour, Ifite Awka, Anambra State.
The Board rejected the appointment of the Bishop of Aguata Diocese, Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor, as Supervising Bishop of Awka Diocese and Coordinating Bishop of the Province of the Niger during Ibezim’s compulsory leave.
The meeting was convened to deliberate on a letter dated October 13, 2026, by the Primate of All Nigeria, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, directing Ibezim to proceed on the leave and appointing Ezeofor to oversee the diocese and coordinate the province during the period.
In its communique, the Board argued that the directive lacked constitutional and canonical authority, particularly as court cases involving Ibezim, the Primate and other parties remained pending before the Anambra State High Court.
It maintained that the parties should allow the judicial process to run its course and refrain from taking actions capable of pre-empting the court’s determination.
Reaffirming its confidence in Ibezim’s leadership and integrity, the Board declared its continued recognition of him as Bishop of Awka Diocese and Archbishop of the Province of the Niger. It also directed all organs under its authority to remain loyal to him and reject directives issued by Ezeofor in his capacity as supervising bishop.
On the allegations surrounding the diocese’s finances, the Board maintained that no funds belonging to the Diocese of Awka had been missing, stolen, misused or misappropriated by Ibezim. It added that neither of the inquiry panels had disclosed any indictment of the archbishop for financial misconduct.
The Board further questioned the justification that the compulsory leave was intended to facilitate an impartial inquiry and promote peace and reconciliation in the diocese. It argued that the reports of the panels should be submitted to the appropriate organs of the Church for consideration in accordance with the Church of Nigeria’s Constitution and Canons.
Describing the diocese as peaceful, united and progressive, the Board commended Ibezim for his contributions to infrastructural development and urged him to continue discharging his responsibilities without distraction.
It also cautioned Ezeofor against actions it considered interference in the affairs of Awka Diocese, urging him to concentrate on his responsibilities as Bishop of Aguata Diocese.
The Board warned that it would consider legal action and involve law enforcement agencies if its position was disregarded or actions it deemed unlawful continued.
In a further escalation of the dispute, the Board threatened that the Diocese of Awka could withdraw from the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, and continue with the Church of England if the alleged interference in its affairs persisted.
The communique was signed by the Lord Chancellor, Sir B.E.T. Nwofor, SAN; the Synod Secretary, Ven. K.E.N. Chukwukamma, PhD; and the Lay Synod Secretary, Mr. Eugene Chukwudi Okonkwo.
