By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka, the Most Rev. Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, has described the lingering crisis in the Diocese of Awka, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), as a spiritual battle against principalities and powers.

He called on members of the Church to shun physical confrontation and remain united in prayer.

His stance is coming on the heels of escalating dispute between his supporters and the leadership of the Church of Nigeria over the handling of allegations bothering on sale of church land, with the Diocese demanding the release of reports from two panels of enquiry constituted by the Primate, the Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba.

The Diocese has questioned the propriety of the Primate’s decision to constitute the panels and his alleged failure to make their findings public.

It insisted that the reports should be made available for consideration in accordance with the provisions of the Church’s Constitution and Canons.

Addressing the Anglican congregation shortly after a communion service at the St. Faith’s Cathedral, Awka, Ibezim urged members to recognise the spiritual dimension of the crisis and avoid resorting to physical confrontation.

He said: “At this time of trial, at this moment, let us recognise that we are not fighting against flesh and blood; it is spiritual warfare.

“It is a battle against principalities and powers, rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness in high places. So, our battle is not a battle of flesh and blood,

“The Bible enjoins us that we should not fight physically. This is not a time to fight with guns or fight with cutlasses, but it is a fight that is spiritual.

“I employ you to remain united, pray together and sustain their fellowship despite the uncertainty surrounding the leadership of the Diocese.

“The cathedral’s altar is a point of contact for prayers across the Diocese and the Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger.”

Ibezim urged the congregation to remain steadfast in faith.

Meanwhile, the leadership of the Diocese has intensified its demand for the release of the reports of the two panels of enquiry established to investigate allegations against Ibezim, arguing that the continued withholding of the findings undermines the Church’s prescribed procedures for resolving the crisis.

The Diocese’s position was contained in a resolution signed by its Lord Chancellor, Sir B. E. I. Nwofor, SAN; the Synod Secretary, Ven. K. E. N. Chukwukamma, PhD; and Mr Eugene Chukwudi Okonkwo respectively.

The Diocese while rejecting the explanation that the compulsory leave imposed on Ibezim was intended to facilitate an impartial investigation into the affairs of the Diocese and promote peace and reconciliation, said: “The reason given in the letter that the compulsory leave against Archbishop Ibezim is meant to ‘facilitate impartial enquiry into the state of affairs of your Diocese to promote peace and reconciliation’ is a ruse because the Primate failed to disclose that he had earlier constituted two distinct panels of inquiry for the same purpose of investigating allegations made against Archbishop Ibezim.

“The two panels submitted reports to him after their work, which he has withheld and refused to release up till date.

“The first panel was constituted through a letter issued by the Primate on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, and was headed by Honourable Justice Babashola Ogunade.

“The second panel was constituted through another letter dated Wednesday, June 17, 2026, and was headed by the Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger Delta, the Most Rev. Blessing Enyindah.”

The Diocese argued that by withholding the reports of the two panels, the Primate had violated Sections 75(3), (4) and (5), as well as Sections 76(3), (4) and (5), of the Constitution and Canons of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), 2020.

According to the resolution, the cited provisions require the findings and recommendations of the panels to be submitted to the Episcopal Synod for consideration.

It further noted that, after considering the reports, the Episcopal Synod could review, modify, reject or adopt the recommendations, subject to the approval of the Standing Committee.

The resolution stressed that the Standing Committee’s approval would, in turn, be subject to ratification by the General Synod, whose decision on the matter would be final and binding.

The Diocese further issued a strong warning against what it cited as interference in its internal affairs by the Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor, who was appointed by the Primate to coordinate and oversee the Diocese amid the crisis.

It added: “The Board will not accept any interference with the affairs of the Diocese of Awka by Rt. Rev. Ezeofor.”

While urging him “to concentrate on his work as Bishop of Aguata Diocese and not to be used as an instrument to destabilise or foment trouble in the peaceful Diocese of Awka,” the Diocese further directed all organs of the Diocese to remain loyal to Ibezim and continue their lawful activities, while rejecting any interference or directive from Ezeofor.

It also directed all organs of the Diocese of Awka to remain loyal to His Grace, the Most Rev. Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, PhD, and to go ahead with their lawful activities and reject any interference or directive from Rt. Rev. Ezeofor,” it added.