The Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, has directed the Anglican Archbishop of the Niger and Bishop of Awka, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim, to proceed on a six-month leave of absence amid investigations into allegations and recent developments in the Diocese of Awka.
The directive, which takes immediate effect, also prohibits Ibezim from participating in or officiating at any activities of the Church of Nigeria, the Province of the Niger or the Anglican Diocese of Awka throughout the period of his leave.
Ndukuba announced the decision in a letter dated Tuesday, October 13, 2026, citing concerns arising from recent events in the Diocese of Awka and the need to protect the integrity and reputation of the Church while investigations are conducted.
As part of the administrative changes, the Primate appointed the Bishop of Aguata Diocese, Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor, as Supervising Bishop of the Diocese of Awka and Coordinating Bishop of the Province of the Niger during Ibezim’s absence.
In the letter addressed to Ibezim, Ndukuba referenced a meeting held with the archbishop on October 9, during which the report of a visitation team was discussed. The Primate identified the meeting and the report as part of the circumstances leading to the decision.
He explained that the action was taken in accordance with Section 29(1) of Chapter V of the Constitution and Canons of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), 2020, which empowers the Primate to exercise general authority and supervision over the Church.
According to Ndukuba, the decision is intended to provide an opportunity for a fair and comprehensive investigation into the allegations while creating the necessary conditions for peace, reconciliation and stability within the Diocese of Awka.
The Primate stressed that the six-month leave should not be interpreted as a disciplinary sanction against Ibezim, describing it instead as an administrative measure designed to facilitate an impartial inquiry into the situation in the diocese.
He noted that the leave would initially last for six months, although the period could be reviewed or adjusted if the Church leadership considered it necessary.
During this period, Ezeofor is expected to assume responsibility for the episcopal administration and oversight of both the Diocese of Awka and the Province of the Niger.
Ndukuba also directed Ibezim to make immediate arrangements to hand over his responsibilities to Ezeofor at his office before proceeding on leave.
The letter was copied to Ezeofor, the Chancellor and Registrar of the Church of Nigeria, the Provincial Council of the Province of the Niger and the Diocesan Board of the Diocese of Awka.
However, the letter did not disclose the specific allegations against Ibezim or provide details of the findings contained in the visitation team’s report.
It was gathered that the archbishop had recently faced allegations of taking certain actions without the authorisation of the Church. The precise nature of the alleged actions, however, remains unclear.
The Church’s directive places Ibezim’s episcopal duties on hold pending further developments, while the investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the issues in the Diocese of Awka.
