The Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, has taken legal action against the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, over a six-month compulsory leave directive issued amid ongoing investigations.
Ibezim is asking the Anambra State High Court to prevent the church leadership from suspending, removing, retiring or dismissing him without following established disciplinary procedures.
The lawsuit also names the Dean of the Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Blessing Enyindah, as a defendant.
Why Archbishop Ibezim Went to Court
The legal action follows a directive dated October 13, 2026, requiring Ibezim to proceed on six month’s compulsory leave while investigations into developments within the Diocese of Awka continue.
According to reports of the court documents, Ibezim is challenging the disciplinary procedures adopted by the church leadership.
He maintains that any action affecting his position must comply with the Constitution and Canons of the Church of Nigeria.
The suit, marked A/371/2026, was filed at the Awka Judicial Division of the Anambra State High Court through his lead counsel, B.E.I. Nwofor (SAN).
What Archbishop Ibezim Wants the Court to Decide
In the originating summons dated October 13, Ibezim is seeking judicial interpretation of provisions governing disciplinary proceedings against serving bishops.
His application references Sections 55, 75 and 76, alongside relevant provisions of Canon XVI of the church’s Constitution and Canons.
He is also requesting an interlocutory injunction restraining the defendants from taking further steps to remove him from his ecclesiastical offices pending the determination of the substantive suit.
Anglican Church Explains Six-Month Leave
The Primate, Henry Ndukuba, reportedly directed Ibezim to proceed on compulsory leave following reports submitted by administrative panels investigating developments within the Diocese of Awka.
The church leadership maintained that the directive was an administrative measure rather than a disciplinary sanction.
Ndukuba said the decision was intended to facilitate investigations and promote peace and reconciliation within the diocese.
The Bishop of Aguata Diocese, Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor, was appointed to oversee Awka Diocese and coordinate the Province of the Niger during Ibezim’s absence.
Archbishop Challenges Investigation Team
Beyond the compulsory leave directive, Ibezim is challenging the constitution of a visitation team established to investigate matters within the diocese.
The team, chaired by Enyindah, was reportedly constituted through a letter dated June 17, 2026.
Ibezim is asking the court to determine whether the team’s establishment and the disciplinary procedures being pursued comply with the church’s governing rules.
The legal proceedings place questions concerning ecclesiastical authority and disciplinary procedure before the Anambra State High Court.
As of October 17, 2026, the reviewed reports had not established that the court had granted the injunction sought by Ibezim.
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