The internal dispute rocking the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has escalated into a legal battle, with the Archbishop of the Province of the Niger, Most Reverend Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, asking an Anambra State High Court to protect him from possible removal from office.
Ibezim filed the suit against the church’s Primate, Most Reverend Henry C. Ndukuba, and the Dean of the Church of Nigeria, Most Reverend Blessing Enyindah, challenging moves that could lead to his suspension, retirement, dismissal or removal from his ecclesiastical positions.
The action follows a directive ordering the Archbishop to embark on six months of compulsory leave while allegations concerning the unauthorised sale of church land valued at more than ₦2 billion are investigated.
In the suit, numbered A/371/2026, Ibezim is seeking an interlocutory injunction to prevent the defendants from taking further steps against him until the court determines the substantive case. He is also asking the court to clarify the constitutional and canonical procedures applicable to disciplinary proceedings against a serving bishop.
The Archbishop further contests the legality of an investigative visitation team established to examine developments within the Awka Diocese. He maintains that the panel, chaired by Enyindah, was improperly constituted and wants the court to restrain interference in the diocese’s affairs without his written consent.
Ndukuba, however, has reportedly defended the compulsory leave as an administrative measure intended to allow an impartial investigation, protect the church’s reputation and encourage peace and reconciliation. In his October 13 letter, the Primate cited Section 29(1) of Chapter V of the Church of Nigeria’s Constitution and Canons, 2020, as the basis for his decision.
During Ibezim’s absence, the Bishop of Aguata Diocese, Right Reverend Samuel Ezeofor, was appointed to oversee the Awka Diocese and coordinate the Province of the Niger. Ibezim was also instructed to hand over his duties and refrain from officiating at activities organised by the church and its relevant diocesan and provincial bodies.
The controversy stems from allegations that church property worth more than ₦2 billion was sold without proper authorisation. A petition concerning the matter was reportedly submitted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on July 28 by Chief G. Tagbo, SAN, on behalf of Echezona Onuigbo, a member of St. Faith Cathedral, Awka.
An interim court order had also reportedly been issued restraining the EFCC and its agents from arresting or detaining the Archbishop in connection with the allegations. The dispute has had further consequences within the diocese, including Ibezim’s removal of its Chancellor, retired Justice O.J. Okeke.
The latest court action is expected to bring the church’s internal governance procedures under judicial scrutiny, particularly the extent of the Primate’s authority to impose administrative restrictions on a serving Archbishop and the rules governing investigations into alleged misconduct.
The allegations surrounding the land transaction have not been established as fact, and the court is yet to determine the substantive suit.
