Anglican Primate Directs Awka Bishop to Proceed on Six-Month Leave Amid Allegations
The Most Rev'd Henry Chukwuemeka Ndukuba, Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), has directed the Most Rev'd Alexander C. Ibezim, Bishop of the Diocese of Awka, to take a six-month leave of absence starting from the date of the directive.
The directive, dated October 13, 2026, comes in the wake of allegations and investigations into recent events in the Diocese of Awka and the Province of the Niger.
In the directive, Ndukuba cited the provisions of Chapter V, Section 29(1) of the Church of Nigeria's Constitution and Canons, 2020, which grants him the authority to take administrative actions over the Church of Nigeria and its provinces.
During Ibezim's leave, the Most Rev'd Samuel Ezeofor, Bishop of the Diocese of Aguata, has been appointed as the Supervising Bishop of the Diocese of Awka and Coordinating Bishop of the Province of the Niger.
Ibezim is instructed to refrain from participating in any Church of Nigeria, Province of the Niger, or Diocese of Awka activities during his leave.
The directive was sent to Ibezim, Ezeofor, the Chancellor and Registrar of the Church of Nigeria, and the Province of the Niger Council.
The directive comes amidst ongoing investigations into allegations against Ibezim, who is currently facing allegations of misconduct and mismanagement within the Diocese of Awka and Province of the Niger.
Chief Executive Editor, The Sun Nigeria
SpeakOX News: Anglican Primate Orders Bishop on Leave Amid Allegations
The Most Rev'd Henry Chukwuemeka Ndukuba, Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), has directed the Most Rev'd Alexander C. Ibezim, Bishop of the Diocese of Awka, to take a six-month leave of absence starting from the date of the directive.
The directive, issued on October 13, 2026, is in response to reports and investigations into alleged misconduct and mismanagement within the Diocese of Awka and Province of the Niger.
During Ibezim's leave, the Most Rev'd Samuel Ezeofor, Bishop of the Diocese of Aguata, has been appointed as Supervisory Bishop of the Diocese of Awka and Coordinating Bishop of the Province of the Niger.
The directive was sent to Ibezim, Ezeofor, the Church of Nigeria's Chancellor and Registrar, and the Province of the Niger Council.
Editorial Director, SpeakOX News
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>