War In The Holy Altar: Archbishop Ibezim Sues Anglican Primate Over Suspension
By Matthias Ogbagah
The cold war in the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) took a different dimension as the Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Reverend Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, sued the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Reverend Henry C. Ndukuba, over moves to suspend, remove, retire or dismiss him from his ecclesiastical offices.
Ibezim in a suit marked A/371/2026 filed at the High Court of Anambra State, seeking an interlocutory injunction restraining Ndukuba and the Dean of the Church of Nigeria, Most Reverend Blessing Enyindah, from taking such actions pending the determination of the substantive suit.
The legal action follows the Primate’s directive that Ibezim proceed on six months’ compulsory leave amid an investigation into allegations that church land worth more than ₦2 billion was sold without authorisation.
According to court documents obtained by SaharaReporters, the suit, marked A/371/2026, was filed at the Awka Judicial Division through Ibezim’s lead counsel, B.E.I. Nwofor (SAN).
In the originating summons dated October 13, 2026, the Archbishop is asking the court to declare that the Church of Nigeria’s Constitution and Canons prescribe the procedures for disciplining a serving bishop.
He is also seeking an order restraining the defendants from threatening to suspend, remove, or retire him, or from interfering in the affairs of the Diocese of Awka without his written consent.
The suit also challenges the legality of a visitation team constituted to investigate developments in the diocese. Ibezim described the team, chaired by Enyindah, as illegally constituted.
The Rainbow Newspaper source (SaharaReporters) had earlier reported that Ndukuba directed Ibezim to proceed on six months’ leave with immediate effect in a letter dated October 13, 2026.
The Primate reportedly cited concerns about the integrity and reputation of the Church of Nigeria following reports from administrative panels and a meeting with Ibezim on October 9, during which the findings were discussed.
Ndukuba said the decision was taken under Section 29(1) of Chapter V of the Church of Nigeria’s Constitution and Canons, 2020. He described the leave as an administrative measure intended to facilitate a fair investigation and promote peace and reconciliation, rather than a disciplinary sanction.
During Ibezim’s absence, the Bishop of Aguata Diocese, the Right Reverend Samuel Ezeofor, was appointed Supervising Bishop of Awka Diocese and Coordinating Bishop of the Province of the Niger.
Ibezim was also directed to hand over his responsibilities to Ezeofor and refrain from officiating at activities of the Church of Nigeria, the Province of the Niger and the Diocese of Awka during the period.
The allegations against Ibezim reportedly include the unauthorised sale of church land valued at more than ₦2 billion, prompting a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The petition, dated July 28, was reportedly submitted to the EFCC’s Enugu Zonal Directorate by Chief G. Tagbo (SAN) of Ike Ike Associates on behalf of Echezona Onuigbo, a member of St. Faith Cathedral, Awka.
Anambra State High Court had also reportedly issued an interim order restraining the EFCC and its agents from arresting or detaining the Archbishop in connection with the matter.
The controversy also led to the removal of the Diocese of Awka’s Chancellor, retired Justice O.J. Okeke, by Ibezim.
The latest lawsuit sets the stage for a legal contest over the authority of the Anglican Church’s leadership to impose administrative measures on a serving Archbishop and the procedures governing investigations and disciplinary actions within the Church of Nigeria.
The allegations remain unproven, and the court is yet to determine the substantive suit.
