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

The Diocesan Board of the Diocese of Awka, within the Anglican Communion, has refused to accept the Primate of the Church of Nigeria's directive for the Bishop of Awka, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim, to take a six-month leave of absence. This decision was made following investigations into allegations of fund misuse and misappropriation, as well as other issues, in the Diocese of Awka.

The Primate, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, also appointed the Bishop of Aguata, Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor, as the supervising and coordinating bishop during Ibezim's absence. However, the Diocesan Board rejected this appointment and threatened to withdraw from the Church of Nigeria if their concerns were not addressed. The board's decision was announced during an emergency meeting on Friday, October 16, 2026, at the Chapel of Divine Favour, Anglican Village in Ifite-Awka.

The board highlighted three ongoing court cases involving Ibezim, the Primate, and others as reasons for rejecting the Primate's directive, citing their pending nature and the need to avoid interfering with the determination of these cases.