The Primate of the [Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_Nigeria_(Anglican_Communion)), Henry Ndukuba, wrote to Bishop Alexander Ibezim on 13 October 2026 directing him to commence a six‑month leave with immediate effect, pending investigations into serious allegations against him. The suspension also bars the bishop from performing any ecclesiastical duties in the Province of the Niger or the Anglican Diocese of Awka during this period.
**What action did the Primate take?**
The letter explicitly states that the leave is an administrative measure, not a disciplinary sanction, intended to allow a fair and thorough inquiry. Ndukuba cited Section 29(1) of Chapter 5 of the Constitution and Canons of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 2020, which gives the Primate authority to ensure the integrity of the church.
**Why was the bishop suspended?**
The suspension follows a series of concerns raised about the bishop’s conduct, including a claim that he sold church property for N2 billion without the consent of church authorities. The allegations first surfaced when a member of St Faith Cathedral, Echezona Onuigbo, filed a petition with the [Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)](https://efcc.gov.ng/) in July 2025.
**Who will oversee the Diocese of Awka?**
In the same correspondence, Ndukuba announced that Bishop Samuel Ezeofor of the Diocese of Aguata will act as the supervising bishop for Awka and the Province of the Niger for the duration of Ibezim’s leave. Ezeofor has been instructed to assume all episcopal responsibilities and to receive the hand‑over from the suspended archbishop.
**What are the details of the land‑sale allegation?**
The letter did not disclose the specifics of the accusations or the findings of the visitation team’s report. However, reports indicate that the alleged unauthorised sale involved church land valued at N2 billion. After the petition, EFCC operatives were reportedly preparing to arrest the bishop, but the Anambra State High Court in Awka halted the move following an ex parte motion filed on 4 September 2025 by the bishop’s lawyer, Senior Advocate of Nigeria B.E.I. Nwofor.
**What other repercussions followed?**
The controversy also led to the dismissal of the Diocese of Awka’s chancellor, O.J. Okeke, a retired judge. All relevant bodies—including the Provincial Council of the Province of the Niger and the Diocesan Board of Awka—were copied on the Primate’s letter.
The six‑month leave remains in force while the church conducts its investigations, with the aim of restoring peace and reconciliation within the Diocese of Awka.