Anglican Primate Suspends Archbishop Over Alleged ₦2bn Church Land Sale

The Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Henry C. Ndukuba, has directed the Archbishop of the Diocese of Awka, Most Rev. Alexander C. Ibezim, to proceed on six months’ leave with immediate effect amid investigations into allegations of misconduct and questionable developments within the diocese.

The decision was communicated in a letter dated October 13, 2026, which also appointed the Bishop of Aguata Diocese, Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor, as the Supervising Bishop of Awka Diocese and Coordinating Bishop of the Province of the Niger during Ibezim’s absence.

The directive followed concerns over developments within the Diocese of Awka, which reportedly raised questions about the integrity and reputation of the Church of Nigeria.

According to the letter, the decision was taken after consultations with Ibezim and a review of the findings of an investigative visitation team led by the Dean of the Church of Nigeria. The team had been established to examine the issues surrounding the diocese and had submitted its report to the church leadership.

Ndukuba also referred to a meeting held with Ibezim on Friday, October 9, during which the visitation report was discussed. The Primate said the findings and issues raised during the meeting informed the decision to place the archbishop on leave.

The directive was issued in accordance with Section 29(1) of Chapter V of the Constitution and Canons of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), 2020, which provides for the Primate’s general supervisory authority over the church.

Explaining the purpose of the decision, Ndukuba said the administrative measure was intended to allow a fair and comprehensive investigation into the allegations while promoting peace, stability and reconciliation within the Diocese of Awka.

He clarified that the six-month leave should not be interpreted as a disciplinary punishment but as an administrative arrangement designed to ensure an impartial investigation into the situation.

Under the directive, Ibezim is expected to remain on leave for an initial period of six months, although the duration could be reviewed by the church leadership if necessary.

During this period, Ezeofor will assume responsibility for overseeing the Diocese of Awka and coordinating the affairs of the Province of the Niger.

The suspended archbishop has also been prohibited from officiating at any activities of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the Province of the Niger or the Diocese of Awka throughout the period of his leave.

Ndukuba further instructed Ibezim to immediately hand over his official responsibilities to Ezeofor at his office before departing.

Copies of the letter were sent 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 Awka Diocese.

Alleged ₦2bn Church Land Sale Behind Controversy

Although the letter did not provide specific details of the allegations against Ibezim or disclose the findings of the visitation team, reports linked the controversy to allegations that the archbishop sold church lands valued at more than ₦2 billion without the necessary authorisation.

The allegations reportedly triggered a legal and ecclesiastical dispute, with speculation that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was seeking to arrest the archbishop over a petition submitted to the commission.

The petition, dated July 28, was reportedly filed at 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 in Awka.

The petition reportedly raised concerns over the alleged sale of church properties. However, the precise findings of the investigation and the full details of the allegations were not disclosed in the Primate’s letter.

Court Order Stalled Reported Arrest

The controversy had previously taken a legal turn after the Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka issued an order that reportedly stalled the proposed arrest of Ibezim.

The order was granted by Justice F. I. Aniukwu following an ex parte motion dated September 4, 2025. Ibezim approached the court through his lawyer, B. E. I. Nwofor (SAN).

The court proceedings formed part of the wider dispute surrounding the allegations against the archbishop and the handling of church property.

The controversy also reportedly led to the removal of the Chancellor of Awka Diocese, retired Justice O. J. Okeke, by Ibezim.

The latest directive from the Primate marks a significant development in the ongoing dispute within the Anglican Communion, as the church leadership seeks to investigate the allegations and restore stability to the Diocese of Awka.

However, the allegations concerning the sale of church lands remain allegations, and the letter announcing the leave did not establish that Ibezim had committed any wrongdoing.

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