Archbishop Ibezim Sues Church Leaders Over Suspension

Most Rev. Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, the Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of the Diocese of Awka, has initiated legal action against Most Rev. Henry C. Ndukuba, the Primate of All Nigeria, and Most Rev. Blessing Enyindah, the Dean of the Church of Nigeria. The lawsuit was filed on October 13, 2026, at the Anambra State High Court, challenging the Church's decision to place Ibezim on a six-month compulsory leave while investigations into allegations involving him and the Diocese of Awka are conducted.

Ibezim is contesting the procedures followed by the church leadership in this matter, particularly the legality of a visitation team established by Ndukuba. He seeks judicial interpretation of the church's constitution and canons regarding disciplinary actions against bishops, specifically citing Sections 55 and 75 to 76 of the 2020 Constitution and Sections 22 to 28 of Canon XVI.

The suit aims to clarify the authority and procedures governing disciplinary actions against serving bishops.