ARCHBISHOP IBEZIM TAKES PRIMATE NDUKUBA TO COURT OVER SIX-MONTH LEAVE

AWKA, ANAMBRA STATE — The leadership crisis within the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has taken a dramatic turn following reports that the Most Revd Dr. Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of the Diocese of Awka, has approached the court to challenge the directive requiring him to proceed on six months’ leave of absence.

The reported legal action is directed against the Most Revd Dr. Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba, Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria, alongside the Most Revd Dr. Blessing Enyindah, Dean of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).

The development marks a significant escalation in the dispute over the administration of the Diocese of Awka, raising questions about ecclesiastical authority, internal disciplinary procedures and the constitutional rights of senior church officials.

The controversy intensified on October 13, 2026, when Primate Ndukuba reportedly directed Archbishop Ibezim to proceed on six months’ leave with immediate effect, pending the consideration of issues arising from an investigative visitation to the Diocese of Awka.

Reports indicate that the directive followed a visitation exercise led by the Dean of the Church of Nigeria and a meeting at which the findings of the visitation team were discussed.

Under the reported arrangement, Archbishop Ibezim was instructed to refrain from officiating at church activities within the Church of Nigeria, the Province of the Niger and the Diocese of Awka during the period of his leave.

The Bishop of Aguata, the Rt. Revd Dr. Samuel Ezeofor, was reportedly appointed to supervise the Diocese of Awka and coordinate the Province of the Niger during Ibezim’s absence.

The decision has generated considerable attention within Anglican circles, particularly because of the senior ecclesiastical positions occupied by the principal figures.

According to reports, Archbishop Ibezim has challenged the decision in the Anambra State High Court, Awka Judicial Division, in a suit reportedly numbered A/371/2026.

The legal challenge is understood to concern the procedures adopted by the church leadership in directing him to proceed on leave and the extent of the Primate’s authority under the Church of Nigeria’s Constitution and Canons.

Reports further indicate that Ibezim is seeking judicial protection against actions that could affect his tenure or ecclesiastical responsibilities without compliance with the applicable procedures.

However, the complete originating court documents and the precise terms of any orders issued by the court have not been independently established for this report. It is therefore unclear whether the court has granted any interim relief.

The filing of a suit does not, in itself, establish that either party has acted unlawfully. The issues remain subject to the applicable legal process.

The leadership dispute has also attracted attention amid allegations concerning the management and disposal of church properties in the Diocese of Awka. Some reports have linked the controversy to questions surrounding the alleged sale of church lands without the necessary authorisation.

Nevertheless, allegations relating to church property must be distinguished from proven findings of misconduct. No conclusion about individual responsibility should be drawn without examining the relevant evidence and any authoritative findings.

The outcome of the reported legal proceedings, together with the findings of the church’s investigation, may help clarify the issues at the centre of the dispute.

Beyond the individuals involved, the dispute raises a broader question about the relationship between ecclesiastical authority and due process within one of Nigeria’s prominent Christian institutions.

As Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria, the Most Revd Dr. Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba occupies the highest leadership position within the Church of Nigeria. Archbishop Ibezim, meanwhile, holds senior responsibilities as Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of the Diocese of Awka.

The resolution of a dispute involving such senior figures could have implications for church administration, internal accountability and confidence in the institution’s governing procedures.

The central issue is whether the measures adopted in this case are consistent with the church’s constitution, canons and applicable disciplinary procedures. While the church has a responsibility to address allegations and maintain order within its institutions, the rights of those under investigation and the integrity of established procedures also remain important considerations.

As the controversy unfolds, attention is likely to focus on the court’s response to the reported suit, the outcome of the church’s investigation and any subsequent statements from the parties involved.

The church leadership may have an opportunity to clarify the legal and administrative basis of its decision, while Archbishop Ibezim will have the opportunity to present his challenge through the appropriate legal channels. Whether the matter ultimately proceeds through litigation, internal ecclesiastical processes or reconciliation remains to be seen.

The reported decision by Archbishop Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim to take Primate Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba to court represents a significant development in the unfolding Anglican leadership dispute.

For members of the Church of Nigeria and observers of religious institutions, the matter goes beyond a disagreement between senior clerics. It touches on leadership, accountability, constitutional governance and the importance of resolving institutional disputes fairly.

As the proceedings develop, the public deserves accurate reporting, transparency from the relevant authorities and fairness to all parties. Ultimately, the manner in which the dispute is resolved may prove as consequential as the dispute itself, particularly for the preservation of peace, unity and public confidence within the Anglican Communion.