The Anglican Diocese of Awka has rejected an order placing its bishop, Alexander Ibezim, on six months’ compulsory leave and threatened to withdraw from the Church of Nigeria if the church leadership continues to interfere in its affairs.
The diocesan board also rejected the appointment of Samuel Ezeofor, Bishop of Aguata, to supervise Awka Diocese and coordinate the Province of the Niger during Ibezim’s absence. It said Ibezim should continue carrying out his duties.
The decisions followed an emergency board meeting in Ifite-Awka on October 16. A communiqué made available to journalists on Sunday said the diocese could continue under the Church of England if the dispute persisted. That is the board’s stated intention, not an announced agreement with the Church of England.
The Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Henry Ndukuba, issued the leave directive in an October 13 letter. Punch reported that it followed investigations into allegations of misuse and misappropriation of funds and other developments in the diocese. Those allegations are contested.
The board argued that the directive disregarded three pending cases before the Anambra State High Court involving Ibezim, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Inspector-General of Police and the Primate. It said the parties should avoid action that could interfere with the matters before the court.
It also disputed the Primate’s interpretation of the church’s constitution and canons, saying the provision cited in his letter did not authorise him to force another bishop to take leave or transfer his duties. The board argued that the restrictions violated Ibezim’s constitutional rights. These are the board’s legal arguments, not court findings.
Vanguard reported that the board accused the Primate of withholding the reports of two earlier inquiry panels. The board denied that Ibezim had stolen, misused or misappropriated diocesan funds.
The communiqué directed diocesan bodies to remain loyal to Ibezim and continue their lawful activities. It was signed by the diocesan Lord Chancellor, B.E.I. Nwofor, Synod Secretary K.E.N. Chukwukamma and Eugene Okonkwo.
Sources: Punch, Vanguard
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