Ibezim Defies Primate’s Suspension, Holds Service Amid Heavy Security, Declares Spiritual War

By Our Correspondent

The embattled Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Reverend Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, on Sunday held a service at the Cathedral Church of St. Faith, Awka, despite the six-month compulsory leave imposed on him by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba.

The service took place amid a heavy security presence, underscoring the growing tension over the leadership crisis rocking the diocese.

The service attracted the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, and other dignitaries.

Heavily armed police operatives and members of the Udo Ga-Achị security outfit were also present at the cathedral as the dispute between the Primate and Ibezim continued to escalate.

In a letter dated October 13, 2026, Ndukuba directed Ibezim to proceed on six months’ compulsory leave, barred him from officiating at church programmes and appointed the Bishop of Aguata Diocese, Right Reverend Samuel Ezeofor, to supervise Awka Diocese and coordinate the Province of the Niger during the period. The directive was reportedly linked to an ongoing investigation in the diocese.

Addressing worshippers shortly after the distribution of Holy Communion, Ibezim described the period as a time of trial and urged members to remain steadfast in prayer, faith and unity.

His appearance and participation in the service came despite the Primate’s directive, underscoring the unresolved dispute over the administration of the diocese.

Citing Ephesians 6:10–19, Ibezim stressed that the struggle confronting the church was a spiritual battle rather than a physical confrontation.

He urged members not to resort to violence, declaring, “This is not a time to fight with gun or fight with cutlass; but it is a fight that is spiritual.”

The bishop encouraged worshippers to strengthen their relationship with God, deepen their prayer lives and maintain unity and fellowship despite the crisis.

He also described the cathedral altar as a point of contact for prayers across the diocese and the Province of the Niger, urging Christians to continue supporting one another through prayer.

Ibezim subsequently led the congregation in declarations of faith and prayed for divine protection, healing, forgiveness and restoration.

He also prayed against what he described as plans to undermine or divide the church and its members, expressing hope that October and November would be months of testimonies and that worshippers would end the year with reasons to celebrate God’s goodness.

Meanwhile, the Awka Diocesan Board has purportedly rejected the Primate’s directive and Ezeofor’s appointment as supervising bishop.

In a communiqué issued after an emergency meeting on October 16, the board reaffirmed its loyalty to Ibezim and directed all organs of the diocese to remain loyal to him and reject directives from Ezeofor.

The board further warned that the diocese could withdraw from the Church of Nigeria and rejoin the Church of England if what it described as interference in its affairs persisted.

The position has deepened the dispute over ecclesiastical authority and raised questions about the implementation of the Primate’s directive.

Sunday’s service marked Ibezim’s first Sunday worship at the cathedral since the compulsory leave directive was issued.

With the bishop continuing to address worshippers, the diocesan board rejecting the Primate’s decision and security operatives maintaining a visible presence, the crisis remains unresolved, even as Ibezim urges his followers to respond to the challenges through prayer, faith and unity rather than physical confrontation.