Anglican Archbishop Ibezim Drags Primate Ndukuba to Court over Alleged Suspension

Archbishop Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim of the Anglican Church has approached the Anambra State High Court to challenge the disciplinary procedures adopted by the leadership of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) following a directive ordering him to proceed on six months’ compulsory leave.

Ibezim, who serves as the Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of the Diocese of Awka, instituted the suit against the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Henry C. Ndukuba, and the Dean of the Church, Most Rev. Blessing Enyindah.

The legal action centres on whether the church leadership followed the procedures prescribed by its constitution and canons in handling the matter involving the archbishop.

The suit, marked A/371/2026, was filed at the Awka Judicial Division of the High Court of Anambra State on October 13, 2026, according to reports on the court documents.

Why Archbishop Ibezim Took the Church Leadership to Court

The legal dispute followed a directive issued by Primate Ndukuba on October 13, ordering Ibezim to proceed on six months’ leave with immediate effect.

The church leadership said the measure was intended to facilitate an impartial investigation into allegations and developments concerning the Diocese of Awka, as well as create room for peace and reconciliation within the diocese.

The directive also restricted Ibezim from officiating at activities of the Church of Nigeria, the Province of the Niger and the Diocese of Awka during the period.

However, Ibezim is challenging the procedures underlying the disciplinary process, arguing that any action affecting his position must comply with the church’s governing constitution and canons.

The archbishop is asking the court to interpret the relevant provisions and determine the procedures that should apply before disciplinary measures are imposed on a serving bishop.

Archbishop Challenges Disciplinary Procedures

In the originating summons, Ibezim cited Sections 55, 75 and 76 of the Church of Nigeria’s Constitution and Canons, 2020, alongside provisions of Canon XVI.

He is seeking a judicial declaration that the prescribed procedures must be followed before any disciplinary sanction, including suspension, removal, compulsory retirement or dismissal, is imposed on a serving bishop.

The archbishop is also challenging the constitution of a visitation team established by the Primate in a letter dated June 17, 2026.

The team, chaired by the Dean of the Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Blessing Enyindah, was constituted to examine developments concerning the Diocese of Awka.

Ibezim has described the team as improperly constituted and is asking the court to determine whether its establishment and activities complied with the church’s governing provisions.

His objections remain claims presented in the legal proceedings and have not been established by a final court ruling.

Primate Explains Six-Month Compulsory Leave

Primate Ndukuba, in the directive communicated to Ibezim, referred to allegations and developments within the Diocese of Awka that he said had raised concerns about the integrity and reputation of the Church of Nigeria.

The Primate also referred to a meeting with Ibezim on October 9, 2026, during which the report of the visitation team was discussed.

According to reports on the directive, Ndukuba maintained that the compulsory leave was an administrative measure intended to allow an impartial investigation and promote the restoration of peace within the diocese.

The church leadership also appointed the Bishop of the Diocese of Aguata, Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor, as Supervising Bishop of the Diocese of Awka and Coordinating Bishop of the Province of the Niger during Ibezim’s absence.

Ezeofor was directed to assume the relevant episcopal responsibilities and oversee the affected church structures during the period.

The church’s explanation is central to the dispute because the leadership has presented the leave as an administrative measure, while Ibezim is seeking judicial clarification of the rules governing actions affecting his ecclesiastical offices.

What the Court Is Being Asked to Determine

The case places the interpretation of the Church of Nigeria’s constitution and canons at the centre of the dispute.

Ibezim wants the court to determine the procedures governing disciplinary proceedings against serving bishops and whether the relevant provisions must be strictly followed before sanctions can be imposed.

He is also seeking injunctive relief to restrain the defendants from taking specified disciplinary steps affecting his positions while the substantive suit remains pending.

The court’s eventual decision on the questions presented could clarify the relationship between the authority of the church’s senior leadership and the disciplinary safeguards provided by its governing documents.

However, filing a suit does not automatically mean that the court has granted the reliefs requested. The legal effect of any application for an injunction will depend on the court’s decision.

As of the latest reports available on October 17, 2026, no final judgment determining the issues raised in the suit had been reported.

Implications for the Anglican Church

The dispute has drawn attention to governance, accountability and the administration of disciplinary procedures within one of Nigeria’s major Christian denominations.

Churches operate under their respective constitutions, canons and internal governance structures. Where disagreements arise over the interpretation or application of those rules, disputes can become more complicated when senior church officials disagree over the extent of their powers.

The case also raises questions about how religious institutions can investigate allegations involving senior leaders while ensuring that established procedures are respected.

For the Church of Nigeria, the challenge will be to address the issues under investigation while maintaining confidence in its leadership, administrative processes and institutional integrity.

For Ibezim, the proceedings provide an opportunity to seek judicial clarification of the procedures he says should govern any action affecting his offices.

The court’s handling of the matter will be important in determining the legal questions presented by the parties. Until those questions are resolved, allegations and competing claims should not be treated as established findings of wrongdoing.

Archbishop Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim’s decision to challenge the Church of Nigeria’s disciplinary process has brought an internal dispute involving senior Anglican leaders before the Anambra State High Court.

While Primate Henry Ndukuba has defended the six-month compulsory leave as an administrative measure intended to facilitate investigation and reconciliation, Ibezim is seeking a judicial interpretation of the church’s constitution and canons.

The substantive issues remain before the court, and the eventual outcome may have implications for the administration of the Diocese of Awka, the Province of the Niger and the interpretation of disciplinary procedures within the Church of Nigeria.

Akahi News will continue to follow developments in the case as further verified information becomes available.