₦2bn Land Allegation Rocks Anglican Church Leadership

 Anglican Church, Alexander Ibezim and the ₦2bn Land Allegation

The Church of Nigeria has ordered Archbishop Alexander Ibezim to take six months’ compulsory leave as investigations continue into allegations involving the Diocese of Awka.

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has directed Alexander Ibezim, the Bishop of Awka and Metropolitan Archbishop on the Niger, to proceed on six months’ compulsory leave while investigations into allegations and developments within the Diocese of Awka, Anambra State, continue.

The directive was contained in a letter dated October 13, 2026, issued by the church’s Primate, Henry Ndukuba. It took immediate effect and barred Ibezim from officiating at church activities within the Province of the Niger and the Diocese of  during the leave period.

The decision has drawn attention to an internal church dispute involving allegations of an unauthorised land sale, administrative investigations and legal proceedings. However, the church has not publicly detailed the findings of its investigation in the letter announcing the leave.

Why The Anglican Archbishop Was Ordered On Leave

Ndukuba said the decision followed developments in the Diocese of Awka that had raised concerns about the integrity and reputation of the church.

He referred to reports from administrative panels established to examine the situation, including a visitation team led by the church’s dean. According to the letter, the reports had been submitted and considered before the decision was made.

The primate explained that the compulsory leave was intended to allow a fair and thorough investigation while creating an opportunity for peace and reconciliation within the diocese.

He specifically described the measure as administrative rather than a disciplinary sanction. The directive provides for an initial six-month period, although the church may review its duration.

₦2 Billion Church Land Sale Allegation

Although the primate’s letter did not specify the allegations against Ibezim, Premium Times reported that one concerned the alleged sale of church land valued at ₦2 billion without authorisation from the appropriate church authorities.

The matter reportedly became public after Echezona Onuigbo, a member of St Faith Cathedral in Awka, petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in July 2025.

The allegations prompted controversy within the diocese and became connected to legal proceedings. In September 2025, the Anambra State High Court in Awka issued an order restraining a planned arrest of Ibezim in connection with the matter.

The court order did not establish whether the alleged land transaction occurred unlawfully. The allegation remains unproven, and the primate’s letter did not provide the visitation team’s findings.

Archbishop Challenges Church Investigation

The dispute has also moved into the courts. Anglican Ink reported that Ibezim filed a suit at the Anambra State High Court on October 13, 2026, challenging the procedures adopted by church authorities in handling the matter.

The suit reportedly names Ndukuba and the church’s dean, Blessing Enyindah, as defendants. Ibezim is seeking judicial interpretation of provisions in the Church of Nigeria’s constitution and canons governing disciplinary proceedings against serving bishops.

Among the issues raised is whether church authorities followed the required procedures in constituting the visitation team and considering possible disciplinary action.

These are claims presented in legal proceedings, not findings made by a court. The outcome of the case remains pending.

Samuel Ezeofor Takes Over Supervisory Duties 

As part of the arrangement, Ndukuba appointed Samuel Ezeofor, Bishop of Aguata, as supervising bishop of the Diocese of Awka and coordinating bishop of the Province of the Niger.

Ezeofor is expected to assume episcopal responsibilities and oversee the relevant church structures while Ibezim is away. The primate also directed Ibezim to hand over his duties to the appointed supervisor.

The temporary arrangement is intended to maintain church administration during the investigation. Ibezim, meanwhile, cannot officiate at activities within the province and diocese covered by the directive.

Future expectation and impact

The church’s investigation and the court proceedings are two important developments to watch. The investigation may clarify the allegations and the findings of the administrative panels, while the court case could address questions about the procedures used by church leadership.

For now, the six-month leave should not be interpreted as proof that Ibezim committed wrongdoing. The primate expressly described it as an administrative measure, and the reported land-sale allegation has not been established as fact.

The next significant developments will depend on the investigation, any formal decisions by the church and the outcome of the legal challenge.