By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Priests of the Anglican Diocese of Awka in Anambra State have reportedly dropped support for embattled Arch Bishop Alexander Ibezim, throwing their weight behind the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion who handed a six months compulsory leave to Ibezim over misappropriation.

This followed the first service conducted by the newly appointed supervising bishop, Samuel Ezeofor, at St. Faith’s Cathedral, Awka, on Sunday, October 18, 2026.

The service marks a significant development in the dispute between Ibezim and the leadership of the Church of Nigeria over the administration of the diocese.

Recall that the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Archbishop Henry Ndukuba, had earlier directed Ibezim to proceed on a compulsory six-month leave to allow an investigation into allegations against him and appointed Bishop Ezeofor to head the Diocese.

Ibezim however rejected the directive. Through the diocesan chancellor, Nwofor, challenging the appointment of Bishop Ezeofor as the supervising bishop of the diocese.

Despite the opposition, Ezeofor had proceeded with the service at St. Faith’s Cathedral, where priests in attendance reportedly reaffirmed their allegiance to the Primate and the Church of Nigeria.

The clergymen also reportedly rejected the position taken by the diocesan board under Ibezim, which opposed Ndukuba’s decision.

In a move aimed at restoring peace and unity, Ezeofor directed every church in the diocese to nominate between four and five persons to serve as stakeholders in a reconciliation process.

Information has it that the initiative is expected to provide a platform for consultations among members of the diocese and encourage dialogue towards resolving the leadership dispute.

The crisis has raised concerns about unity and stability within the Anglican Diocese of Awka, as the opposing positions of Ibezim and the Church of Nigeria’s leadership continue to shape developments in the diocese.

Meanwhile, Ezeofor’s first service and the reported reaffirmation of allegiance by priests represent a new chapter in the dispute, with attention now turning to the proposed reconciliation process and the next steps in resolving the crisis.