The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has directed the Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim, to proceed on a six-month leave amid ongoing administrative investigations in the diocese.
The directive is contained in a letter dated October 13, signed by the Primate of the Church, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, and made available to newsmen on Friday.
The letter said the decision followed reports from administrative panels set up to investigate developments in the diocese, particularly a visitation team led by the Dean of the Church of Nigeria.
It added that the Primate met with Ibezim on October 9 to consider the visitation team’s report.
According to the letter, the leave is intended to facilitate a thorough investigation, restore peace and promote reconciliation in the diocese.
Ndukuba said the directive was an administrative measure, not a disciplinary sanction, citing Section 29(1) of Chapter V of the Constitution and Canons of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), 2020.
The Primate appointed the Bishop of Aguata Diocese, Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor, as Supervising Bishop of Awka Diocese and Coordinating Bishop of the Province of the Niger during the period.
Ezeofor is to assume oversight of the diocese and province, while Ibezim is required to hand over immediately.
The letter also directed Ibezim not to officiate at any activities of the Church of Nigeria, the Province of the Niger or Awka Diocese while on leave.
It said the six-month leave would be subject to review.
