Picture: Archbishop Ibezim
From The Nijasun News Desk
The Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of the Diocese of Awka, Most Rev. Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, has approached the Anambra State High Court to challenge moves by the leadership of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) to subject him to disciplinary action.
Ibezim instituted the suit against the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Henry C. Ndukuba, and the Dean of the Church, Most Rev. Blessing Enyindah, over the procedures adopted in investigating allegations involving him and the Diocese of Awka.
The suit, filed on October 13, 2026, at the Awka Judicial Division of the High Court, seeks an interpretation of relevant provisions of the Church’s 2020 Constitution and Canons governing disciplinary proceedings against serving bishops.
In the originating summons, Ibezim is challenging the legality of a visitation team constituted by the Primate through a letter dated June 17, 2026, with Enyindah as its chairman.
The archbishop is asking the court to determine whether the prescribed constitutional and canonical procedures must be strictly followed before disciplinary measures, including suspension or removal from office, can be imposed on a serving bishop.
He is also seeking a declaration that at least one of the 10 offences listed under Canon XVI of the Church’s Constitution and Canons must be established before disciplinary action can lawfully be taken against him.
The legal action follows the Primate’s October 13 letter directing Ibezim to proceed on six months’ compulsory leave while investigations into allegations and developments within the Diocese of Awka are conducted.
The Primate had explained that the leave was an administrative measure intended to facilitate an impartial investigation and restore peace within the diocese.
During Ibezim’s absence, the Bishop of Aguata Diocese, Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor, was appointed Supervising Bishop of the Diocese of Awka and Coordinating Bishop of the Province of the Niger.
The defendants have 42 days from the date of service of the originating summons to enter an appearance.
The case is expected to bring before the court questions concerning the interpretation of the Church’s governing laws and the extent of the authority of its senior leadership in disciplinary matters involving serving bishops.
The court’s determination could clarify the procedures applicable to such cases within the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).
Tags: Archbishop Ibezim, Anglican Church, Primate Ndukuba, Anambra State, Church Leadership.
