The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has directed the Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim, to proceed on a six-month leave as investigations into administrative issues in the diocese continue.
The directive was contained in a letter dated October 13 and signed by the Primate of the Church, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba. The letter was made available to journalists on Friday.
The church said the decision followed reports from administrative panels set up to examine developments in the diocese, including a visitation team headed by the Dean of the Church of Nigeria.
According to the letter, Ndukuba met with Ibezim on October 9 to review the findings of the visitation team before directing the bishop to proceed on leave.
The Primate said the measure was intended to allow a comprehensive investigation, restore peace and promote reconciliation within the diocese.
He clarified that the decision was administrative rather than disciplinary, citing Section 29(1) of Chapter V of the 2020 Constitution and Canons of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).
As part of the arrangement, the Bishop of Aguata Diocese, Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor, was appointed Supervising Bishop of Awka Diocese and Coordinating Bishop of the Province of the Niger for the duration of Ibezim’s leave.
Ezeofor is expected to take over the supervision of the diocese and province, while Ibezim has been directed to hand over immediately.
The letter also barred Ibezim from officiating at any activities of the Church of Nigeria, the Province of the Niger or Awka Diocese during the leave, which the church said would be subject to review.
