Awka Diocese crisis: Anglican Primate directs Bishop Ibezim to step aside for six months

By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has directed the Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim, to proceed on a six-month leave amid ongoing administrative investigations into developments within the diocese.

The directive was contained in a letter dated October 13, 2026, signed by the Primate of the Church, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, and made available to journalists on Friday.

According to the letter, the decision followed reports submitted by administrative panels established to investigate issues in the diocese, particularly a visitation team led by the Dean of the Church of Nigeria.

The Primate reportedly met with Ibezim on October 9 to consider the visitation team’s findings before issuing the directive.

Ndukuba said the leave was intended to allow a thorough investigation, restore peace and promote reconciliation within the diocese.

He clarified that the decision was an administrative measure rather than a disciplinary sanction, citing Section 29(1) of Chapter V of the Constitution and Canons of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), 2020.

As part of the arrangement, the Bishop of Aguata Diocese, Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor, has been appointed Supervising Bishop of Awka Diocese and Coordinating Bishop of the Province of the Niger for the duration of Ibezim’s leave.

Ezeofor is expected to assume oversight of the diocese and province, while Ibezim has been directed to hand over his responsibilities immediately.

The letter also barred Ibezim from officiating at any activities of the Church of Nigeria, the Province of the Niger or Awka Diocese throughout the leave period.

The six-month leave, however, will be subject to review, according to the directive.

The Church’s stated objectives include facilitating the investigation and fostering peace and reconciliation within the Awka Diocese. (NAN)