Anglican Church Crisis: Archbishop Ibezim Ordered on Six-Month Leave
The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has taken a major administrative step to address growing concerns within the Diocese of Awka, Anambra State, following a directive ordering the Archbishop of the Province of the Niger, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim, to proceed on six months’ compulsory leave.
The decision, announced by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, has brought renewed attention to internal church administration, accountability and the need to preserve the integrity of religious institutions amid unresolved allegations involving senior clerics.
In a letter dated October 13, 2026, Ndukuba directed Archbishop Ibezim, who also serves as Bishop of the Diocese of Awka, to immediately relinquish his official responsibilities pending further investigations into developments that have generated controversy within the diocese.
The Anglican Primate explained that the decision followed reports submitted by administrative panels, including a visitation team led by the Dean of the Church of Nigeria. The findings were reportedly discussed with Ibezim during a meeting held on October 9, before the church leadership arrived at its decision.
Although the church authorities did not officially disclose the specific allegations under investigation, separate reports have linked the controversy to claims concerning the alleged unauthorised disposal of church properties reportedly valued at more than ₦2 billion. These claims remain allegations, and no finding of wrongdoing against the Archbishop was announced in the Primate’s letter.
To prevent a leadership vacuum, the church appointed the Bishop of Aguata Diocese, Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor, as Supervising Bishop of Awka Diocese and Coordinating Bishop of the Province of the Niger. He is expected to oversee ecclesiastical administration and other episcopal responsibilities throughout Ibezim’s absence.
The directive also prohibits Archbishop Ibezim from officiating at church activities within the Church of Nigeria, the Province of the Niger and the Diocese of Awka during the six-month period. He has equally been instructed to complete an immediate handover of his responsibilities to the newly appointed supervising bishop.
Ndukuba maintained that the action was taken under Section 29(1) of Chapter V of the Constitution and Canons of the Church of Nigeria, 2020. He clarified that the compulsory leave should not be interpreted as a disciplinary punishment but as an administrative measure designed to guarantee an impartial investigation, restore confidence and promote reconciliation within the diocese.
The development has placed the spotlight on the Anglican Church’s internal accountability mechanisms and its ability to resolve sensitive disputes involving senior religious leaders. The outcome of the investigation will be significant in determining Archbishop Ibezim’s future responsibilities and the direction of leadership within the Diocese of Awka.
As the six-month leave takes effect, attention will remain on the findings of the church’s investigation and the efforts of its leadership to restore stability, unity and public confidence in one of Nigeria’s prominent Christian denominations.
