The Diocese of Awka, Anglican Communion, has rejected the directive by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Henry C. Ndukuba, ordering the Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka, Most Rev. Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, to proceed on six months compulsory leave.
The Diocese also rejected the appointment of the Bishop of Aguata Diocese, Rt. Rev. Samuel C. Ezeofor, as Supervising Bishop of Awka Diocese and Coordinating Bishop of the Province of the Niger.
The position of the Diocese was contained in a communiqué issued after an emergency meeting of the Diocesan Board held on Friday, October 16, 2026, at the Chapel of Divine Favour, Anglican Village, Ifite-Awka.
The communiqué, signed by the Lord Chancellor of the Diocese, Sir B.E.I. Nwofor, SAN; the Synod Secretary, Ven. K.E.N. Chukwukamma, PhD; and the Lay Synod Secretary, Mr. Eugene Chukwudi Okonkwo, stated that the Board rejected in its entirety the Primate’s letter dated October 13, 2026.
According to the Board, the directive and the appointment were made while several court cases involving Archbishop Ibezim and other parties remain pending before the High Court of Anambra State, including suits involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Inspector-General of Police.
The Diocese warned that if what it described as interference in its affairs persists, it may withdraw from the Church of Nigeria and remain with the Church of England.
It would be recalled that Primate Ndukuba had directed Archbishop Ibezim to proceed on leave to allow for a fair investigation into allegations and recent developments in the Diocese, which he said raised concerns about the integrity and reputation of the Church.
