Anglican Primate Suspends Archbishop Ibezim of Awka for Six Months
The Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Henry C. Ndukuba, has ordered the Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka, Most Rev. Alexander C. Ibezim, to take six months' leave with immediate effect while allegations against him are investigated.
The Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Henry C. Ndukuba, has directed the Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of the Diocese of Awka, Most Rev. Alexander C. Ibezim, to proceed on six months' leave with immediate effect. The suspension from officiating church activities comes amid investigations into allegations and recent developments concerning the archbishop, according to church sources.
The directive means Archbishop Ibezim will step back from his episcopal duties in the Awka diocese and from his role leading the Province of the Niger for the duration of the leave. The Province of the Niger is one of the Anglican provinces within the Church of Nigeria, and its archbishop holds a prominent position in the denomination's hierarchy in the south-east of the country.
The Church of Nigeria has not publicly detailed the specific nature of the allegations under investigation. The Primate's order was communicated as an administrative measure intended to allow the inquiry to proceed without the archbishop exercising his official functions in the meantime. Further statements from the church are expected as the investigation develops.
The suspension places one of the most senior Anglican clerics in Anambra State at the centre of an internal church process at a time when the denomination is navigating questions of governance and accountability. The Awka diocese is a significant see within the Province of the Niger, and the archbishop's absence from public liturgical duties is likely to be felt across the parishes under his oversight.
Under Anglican canon and administrative practice in the Church of Nigeria, a primate may direct a bishop to step aside from official duties while a matter is examined. Such measures are typically described as precautionary and do not in themselves constitute a finding against the cleric concerned. The six-month timeframe provides a defined period within which the investigation is expected to be concluded or reviewed.
Archbishop Ibezim has served as Bishop of Awka and as Archbishop of the Province of the Niger, roles that carry responsibility for pastoral oversight, church discipline and the coordination of diocesan activities. During his leave, the day-to-day administration of the diocese and the province is expected to be handled in line with arrangements set by the church leadership.
The development is being watched closely by clergy and lay members in Anambra State, where the Anglican Communion maintains a large and active presence. Congregations in Awka and surrounding areas will look to the church's communications for guidance on interim arrangements for episcopal functions.
The Church of Nigeria has in recent years faced internal debates over discipline and transparency, and the handling of cases involving senior clergy is often seen as a test of how the denomination applies its own rules. The Primate's directive signals that the matter is being treated with seriousness at the highest level of the church's leadership.
No timeline beyond the six-month leave has been announced, and it remains unclear whether the archbishop will resume full duties at the end of the period or whether the investigation will require further action. The church has not indicated whether a formal panel has been constituted or who will oversee the inquiry.
For now, the immediate effect is a notable change in the public profile of one of the Church of Nigeria's senior figures, and a period of uncertainty for the diocese he leads. Members of the Anglican community in Anambra and beyond will be awaiting further word from the church authorities on both the investigation and the arrangements for pastoral oversight during the archbishop's absence.
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