…Suspended Anglican archbishop urges followers to shun violence as Awka Diocese demands release of two investigative reports
ANAMBRA, Nigeria — The suspended Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka, the Most Rev. Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, has described the corruption allegations against him and the lingering leadership crisis in the Diocese of Awka, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), as a spiritual battle against principalities and powers.
Ibezim urged members of the Church to avoid physical confrontation, remain united and intensify prayers amid the escalating dispute between his supporters and the leadership of the Church of Nigeria over allegations involving the sale of church land.
His remarks came as the Diocese of Awka intensified its demand for the release of reports from two panels of inquiry established by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, the Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, to investigate allegations against him, reports News Express.
The Diocese has questioned the propriety of the Primate’s decision to constitute the panels and his alleged failure to make their findings public, insisting that the reports must be released for consideration in accordance with the Church’s Constitution and Canons.
Addressing the congregation shortly after a communion service at St. Faith’s Cathedral, Awka, Ibezim urged worshippers to understand the spiritual dimension of the crisis and resist any temptation to resort to violence.
“At this time of trial, at this moment, let us recognise that we are not fighting against flesh and blood; it is spiritual warfare.
“It is a battle against principalities and powers, rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness in high places. So, our battle is not a battle of flesh and blood,” he said.
The archbishop cautioned against physical confrontation, stressing that the crisis should be addressed through prayer rather than violence.
“The Bible enjoins us that we should not fight physically. This is not a time to fight with guns or fight with cutlasses, but it is a fight that is spiritual,” he said.
He appealed to members to remain united, pray together and sustain their fellowship despite the uncertainty surrounding the diocese’s leadership.
“The cathedral’s altar is a point of contact for prayers across the Diocese and the Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger,” Ibezim added.
He also urged the congregation to remain steadfast in their faith throughout the crisis.
Diocese demands release of inquiry reports
Meanwhile, the Diocese of Awka has rejected the explanation that the compulsory leave imposed on Ibezim was necessary to facilitate an impartial investigation into the affairs of the diocese and promote peace and reconciliation.
In a resolution signed by its Lord Chancellor, Sir B. E. I. Nwofor, SAN; Synod Secretary, Ven. K. E. N. Chukwukamma, PhD; and Mr Eugene Chukwudi Okonkwo, the diocese argued that the Primate had already established two separate panels to investigate the allegations against the archbishop.
It accused Ndukuba of withholding the reports submitted by the panels after completing their assignments.
The resolution described the justification for Ibezim’s compulsory leave as a pretext, arguing that the Primate had failed to disclose the existence of the two completed inquiries.
“The reason given in the letter that the compulsory leave against Archbishop Ibezim is meant to ‘facilitate impartial enquiry into the state of affairs of your Diocese to promote peace and reconciliation’ is a ruse because the Primate failed to disclose that he had earlier constituted two distinct panels of inquiry for the same purpose of investigating allegations made against Archbishop Ibezim.
“The two panels submitted reports to him after their work, which he has withheld and refused to release up till date,” the resolution stated.
According to the diocese, the first panel was constituted through a letter issued by the Primate on August 13, 2025, and was headed by Justice Babashola Ogunade.
The second panel was established through a letter dated June 17, 2026, and headed by the Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger Delta, the Most Rev. Blessing Enyindah.
The diocese maintained that withholding the reports violated Sections 75(3), (4) and (5), as well as Sections 76(3), (4) and (5), of the Constitution and Canons of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), 2020.
It argued that the cited provisions require the panels’ findings and recommendations to be submitted to the Episcopal Synod for consideration.
According to the resolution, the Episcopal Synod is empowered to review, modify, reject or adopt the recommendations, subject to approval by the Standing Committee.
That approval, it added, would subsequently be subject to ratification by the General Synod, whose decision would be final and binding.
Diocese rejects Ezeofor’s oversight role
The diocese also warned against what it described as interference in its internal affairs by the Bishop of Aguata Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor, whom the Primate appointed to coordinate and oversee the Diocese of Awka amid the crisis.
Rejecting his involvement in the administration of the diocese, the resolution declared: “The Board will not accept any interference with the affairs of the Diocese of Awka by Rt. Rev. Ezeofor.”
It urged Ezeofor to concentrate on his responsibilities in Aguata Diocese and avoid actions that could destabilise Awka Diocese.
The resolution further directed all organs of the Diocese of Awka to remain loyal to Ibezim, continue their lawful activities and reject any interference or directives from Ezeofor.
The leadership crisis has continued to generate tensions within the diocese, with Ibezim’s supporters challenging the handling of the allegations against him and demanding that the established procedures of the Church be followed.
The allegations concerning the sale of church land and the competing positions over the inquiry reports remain central to the dispute.
