Awka diocese threatens to quit Church of Nigeria over bishop’s suspension

The Diocesan Board of the Awka Diocese within the Anglican Communion has vehemently rejected the Church of Nigeria Primate's directive ordering Archbishop Alexander Ibezim to take a six-month leave. This directive followed an investigation into allegations of fund misappropriation, crisis, and recent events within the diocese. The Primate, Most Rev.

Henry Ndukuba, also appointed Bishop Samuel Ezeofor as the supervising bishop of the Awka Diocese and coordinating bishop of the Niger Province during Ibezim's absence. However, the Diocesan Board of Awka, during an emergency meeting on October 16, 2026, rejected both the compulsory leave for Ibezim and Ezeofor's appointment, threatening to leave the Church of Nigeria if their decisions weren't reversed.

This stance was documented in a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting. The board argued that the directive and Ezeofor's appointment should be disregarded pending court cases involving Ibezim, Ndukuba, and others. They cited three ongoing lawsuits before the Anambra State High Court, including one against Ibezim and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The board emphasized that all parties should refrain from actions that could interfere with the ongoing legal proceedings.