The Anglican Church suspends Archbishop Ibezim

The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has suspended for six months the bishop of Awka and archbishop of the province of Niger, Mgr. Alexander Ibezim, awaiting an investigation into the allegations and recent developments in the Awka diocese.

The suspension was communicated through a directive issued by the Primate of all Nigeria, Msgr. Henry Ndukuba, who ordered Ibezim to proceed on immediate leave.

According to the directive, the Archbishop is prohibited from officiating in any ecclesiastical activity for the entire six-month period.

The decision comes amid developments within the Awka diocese, although the Church has yet to make public the specific allegations against the cleric or provide details on the circumstances that led to the action.

The Church orders immediate dismissal pending investigations

In the directive, Ndukuba instructed Ibezim to step aside while matters affecting the diocese are investigated.

The official communication reportedly referred to allegations and recent developments in the Awka diocese but did not specify the nature of the alleged misconduct.

Sources, however, state that the Archbishop has been accused of having carried out certain acts without obtaining the necessary authorization from the Church.

The allegations were not fully detailed in the available release and it is unclear whether Ibezim formally responded.

It is expected that the suspension will allow the Church to investigate the issues raised and determine appropriate next steps.

Bishop Ezeofor assumes oversight responsibilities

Meanwhile, the Bishop of Aguata, Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor, has been appointed Supervising Bishop of the Diocese of Awka and Coordinating Bishop of the Niger Province.

His appointment is expected to provide leadership and coordination of ecclesiastical responsibilities in the affected diocese and province during Ibezim’s absence.

The Church did not provide further details on the extent of Ezeofor’s responsibilities or the nature of the investigation.

Further developments are expected as the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, addresses the allegations and determines its next steps in the matter.