Suspended Anglican Archbishop Ibezim Files Legal Challenge Against Church Primate Over Suspension and Disciplinary Proceedings

The Anglican Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of the Diocese of Awka, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim, has initiated legal action against the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Henry C. Ndukuba. The lawsuit challenges the alleged suspension of Ibezim and the Primate’s decision to subject him to disciplinary proceedings. Filed in the High Court of Anambra State, the case seeks judicial interpretation of the 2020 Constitution and Canons of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) regarding the procedures for disciplining serving diocesan bishops.

Ibezim has named Ndukuba as the first defendant and the Dean of the Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Blessing Enyindah, who led a visitation team to the Diocese of Awka, as the second defendant. The archbishop alleges that the visitation team was “illegally constituted” by the Primate in a letter dated June 17, 2026. He is seeking the court’s determination of the legal procedures required to discipline a serving diocesan bishop and the extent to which the church’s governing laws must be adhered to before any sanction can be imposed.

The claimant is specifically requesting a declaration that disciplinary procedures for bishops are outlined in sections 55 and 75 to 76 of the church’s 2020 Constitution, as well as sections 22 to 28 of Canon XVI. He argues that these provisions must be strictly followed before any disciplinary measure, including suspension or removal from office, can be enacted. Ibezim also seeks a ruling that at least one of the 10 offences listed under section 1 of Canon XVI must be established before disciplinary action can be taken against him.

The suit further asks the court to clarify the interpretation and application of several constitutional and canonical provisions governing the duties, powers, and responsibilities of various offices within the Church of Nigeria. These provisions span Canons V, VI, VII, IX, XII, XIV, XV, XVI, and XVII, reflecting the breadth of legal questions Ibezim aims to resolve. The defendants have 42 days from the date of service of the originating summons to enter an appearance.

In a letter dated October 13, 2026, Ndukuba conveyed the Church of Nigeria’s decision to initiate disciplinary proceedings against Ibezim. The legal proceedings now underway will determine the validity of the procedures followed and the legality of the actions taken against the archbishop. The case highlights ongoing tensions within the Church of Nigeria regarding the application of its governing laws and the rights of its senior clergy.