The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has ordered the Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim, to take a six‑month leave of absence, effective immediately.
The directive was issued in a letter dated 13 October and signed by the Primate of the Church, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba. The letter was made available to the Awka Diocese and the Church’s governing bodies.
The leave comes amid ongoing administrative investigations within the Awka Diocese. Details of the investigations have not been disclosed, but the Church has stated that the bishop’s absence is intended to allow the inquiry to proceed without interference.
Awka Diocese is one of the many dioceses that make up the Church of Nigeria, the largest province in the Anglican Communion. The Church has repeatedly emphasised its commitment to accountability and good governance across all its jurisdictions.
During the six‑month period, Bishop Ibezim will remain on leave pending the outcome of the investigations. The Church has not yet announced any interim leadership arrangements for the diocese.
The decision reflects the Church of Nigeria’s broader effort to maintain integrity and transparency within its administrative structures, a priority that has guided its leadership since the early 2000s.
<small>Source: Punch Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>