Suspension: Archbishop Ibezim Heads To Court, Challenges Suspension By Anglican Primate

By Ayodele Oni 

Embattled Archbishop Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, has approached Anambra State High Court to challenge the actions of the Anglican Church leadership to suspend him. 

Ibezim, the suspended Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of the Diocese of Awka, Anglican Communion, is seeking judicial intervention against the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Henry C. Ndukuba, and the Dean of the Church, Most Rev. Blessing Enyindah.

In suit No. A/371/2026, filed through an originating summons and a motion on notice, Ibezim is challenging the procedure adopted by the church leadership in handling disciplinary proceedings against him.

At the centre of the dispute is the legality of a visitation team constituted by Primate Ndukuba through a letter dated June 17, 2026, with Enyindah appointed as its chairman.

In his originating summons, Ibezim is asking the court to determine whether the disciplinary procedures applicable to a serving diocesan bishop are governed by Sections 55, 75(1)–(5) and 76(1)–(5), alongside Sections 22, 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28 of Canon XVI of the Constitution and Canons of the Church of Nigeria.

The suspended archbishop is also seeking a declaration on the appropriate constitutional and canonical provisions governing disciplinary proceedings against a serving bishop.

In a separate motion on notice, brought pursuant to relevant provisions of the Anambra State High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019, and Section 6(6)(a) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, as amended, Ibezim is seeking an interlocutory injunction restraining the defendants from taking further disciplinary action against him.

Specifically, he wants the court to restrain Ndukuba and Enyindah, whether personally or through any organ, committee or subordinate official of the Church, from issuing, signing, serving or delivering any letter suspending, removing, retiring or dismissing him from his offices as Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of the Diocese of Awka.

The restraining order also extends to other church officials, bishops, clergy, workers, agents and representatives acting on behalf of the defendants.

The application seeks to preserve Ibezim’s position pending the determination of the substantive issues raised in the suit.

Court documents identify Ibezim as the plaintiff/applicant, while Ndukuba and Enyindah are listed as the first and second defendants/respondents, respectively.

A letter signed by Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Henry C. Ndukuba, had ordered thr suspension of Archbishop Ibezim for six months pendibg investigation of allegations against him.