The Archbishop of the Province of the Niger, Alexander Ibezim, has sued the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Henry Ndukuba, and the church’s Dean, Blessing Enyindah, seeking to stop them from suspending or removing him from office.
Ibezim, who is also the Bishop of Awka Diocese, is asking the Anambra State High Court to restrain the church leaders from suspending, retiring, dismissing or removing him as archbishop and bishop pending the determination of his substantive suit.
The suit, marked A/371/2026, was filed at the Awka Judicial Division through his lead counsel, B.E.I. Nwofor (SAN). The originating summons, dated October 13, 2026, challenges the procedures adopted by the church leadership in handling disciplinary matters involving a serving bishop.
In the court documents, Ibezim argued that the Church of Nigeria’s Constitution and Canons prescribe the procedures for disciplining a serving bishop. He also challenged the constitution of a visitation team set up to investigate developments in Awka Diocese, describing it as “illegally constituted” by the Primate in a letter dated June 17, 2026.
Among other reliefs, the archbishop is asking the court to stop Ndukuba and Enyindah from issuing or serving him with any letter of suspension, removal, retirement or dismissal. He is also seeking to restrain them from interfering in the affairs of Awka Diocese without his written consent.
The lawsuit followed a directive by Ndukuba for Ibezim to proceed on six months’ compulsory leave with immediate effect. In a letter dated October 13, the Primate said the measure was intended to allow a fair investigation and promote peace and reconciliation in the diocese. He described the leave as an administrative measure, not a disciplinary sanction.
During Ibezim’s absence, the Bishop of Aguata Diocese, Samuel Ezeofor, was appointed Supervising Bishop of Awka Diocese and Coordinating Bishop of the Province of the Niger. Ibezim was also directed to hand over his responsibilities and refrain from officiating at church activities during the period.
The dispute is linked to allegations that Ibezim sold church land worth more than N2bn without authorisation. The allegations reportedly prompted a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission by a member of St Faith Cathedral, Awka. The allegations have not been established by a court.
The latest suit adds to the dispute over the church’s handling of the allegations and the authority of its leadership to impose administrative measures on a serving archbishop. The court’s determination of the issues will depend on the evidence and arguments presented by the parties.
