The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has instructed the Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim, to take a six-month leave while administrative investigations continue in the diocese.
The instruction is contained in a letter dated October 13, signed by the Primate of the Church, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, which was made available to journalists on Friday.
The letter stated that the decision was based on reports from administrative panels established to look into developments in the diocese, especially a visitation team headed by the Dean of the Church of Nigeria.
It further noted that the primate met with Ibezim on October 9 to review the visitation team’s report.
Per the letter, the leave is meant to enable a thorough investigation, restore peace, and encourage reconciliation within the diocese.
Ndukuba said the directive was an administrative step rather than a disciplinary penalty, citing Section 29(1) of Chapter V of the Constitution and Canons of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), 2020.
The primate named the Bishop of Aguata Diocese, Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor, as Supervising Bishop of Awka Diocese and Coordinating Bishop of the Province of the Niger for the duration.
Ezeofor is to take over oversight of the diocese and province, while Ibezim must hand over without delay.
The letter further instructed that Ibezim should not officiate at any activities of the Church of Nigeria, the Province of the Niger, or the Awka Diocese while on leave.
It stated that the six-month leave would be open to review.
