Igbo Radio

By Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Awka

The Anglican Diocese of Awka has cleared the Archbishop, His Grace, The Most Revd Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, PhD, of allegations of financial impropriety after an emergency Diocesan Board.

The Diocesan Board at its meeting dismissed claims of land-sale proceeds being diverted into the Archbishop's private account.

The Board, which met on Monday 18 August 2025 at the Awka Diocesan Retreat and Resource Centre, Okpuno, described the petition against the Archbishop as “false, baseless, and aimed at tarnishing the good image of the Church and the Archbishop.”

The petition, submitted by one Prince Bonti Echezona Onuigbo, had alleged that parcels of land worth more than ₦752 million were sold within the Diocese and the proceeds lodged into the Archbishop’s personal account.

Onuigbo, who reportedly engaged lawyer Chief Tagbo Ike, SAN, to pursue the matter, also accused the Archbishop of retrenching over 1,000 church workers.

However, the Board swiftly questioned the standing of the petitioner. Ven. Samuel Okonkwo, Archdeacon of St. Faith Cathedral, Awka, clarified under cross-examination that Prince Onuigbo is neither a registered member of the Cathedral nor a stakeholder in the Diocese.

“Internal matters of the Church must be raised by those who are truly part of its life and witness,” Ven. Okonkwo said.

Against Onuigbo’s claims that centred on alleged irregularities in the handling of Diocesan land, the Board emphasized that land sales were transparent. It reaffirmed that the sale of designated lands had long been guided by binding resolutions of the Diocese.

Prof. Emma Ezenwaji, President Diocesan Council of Knights, who first moved the motion in 2015 to classify certain diocesan properties as “Investment Property,” testified that the policy was formally adopted in 2017 and ratified in the Synopses of Awka Diocesan Synod of 2016 and 2018.

“The process was open, debated, and unanimously endorsed by Synod,” Prof. Ezenwaji explained, adding that it was never a personal decision of the Archbishop.”

Sir Arc. Okey Chukwuogor supported the testimony, insisting that all procedures were consistent with Synod resolutions. Clerical Synod Secretary, Ven. C. C. Mgbemena, also confirmed the same. A vote was then taken, with 64 members affirming they were present at the meetings where the investment policy was adopted.

The most decisive testimonies came from the Diocesan Treasurer, Prof. Clifford Nwanna, and Financial Secretary, Mrs. Lovelyn Umeh. Both categorically confirmed that “all proceeds from land sales were duly paid into the Diocesan account,” presenting financial records as proof.

Ven. Jason Onyeakagbusi, Secretary of the Land Committee, added that his Committee had “comprehensive records of all diocesan lands” dating back to the tenure of the late Archbishop M. S. C. Anikwenwa. He dismissed the petitioner’s claims of misappropriation as “false and mischievous.”

The Board also addressed allegations that Archbishop Ibezim had retrenched more than 1,000 staff, as Ven. B. K. Ofili, attested that the reverse was true.

“Under the Archbishop’s leadership, the Diocese has established new institutions that created jobs rather than eliminated them,” he said.

He cited Paul University, Awka, the Archbishop Alexander Ibezim College of Education, Nibo-Nise; Millennium College of Nursing Sciences, Awka, and Renaissance Modern Polytechnic, Mbaukwu, alongside several new secondary and primary schools.

Ven. Ofili added that the Archbishop had consistently encouraged clergy to pursue higher degrees. “Today, Awka Diocese has the highest number of PhD holders in the Church of Nigeria. This is not retrenchment; this is empowerment,” he said.

After hours of deliberation, the Board resolved unanimously that the petition was unfounded and politically motivated.

“The petition letter constitutes a false allegation aimed at tarnishing the good image of His Grace, The Most Revd Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, PhD, and ridiculing the reputations of the Diocese and the Church of God,” the resolution read.

Members stressed that the Diocese would not allow unfounded claims to distract from its mission.

“The integrity of the Church remains intact. We stand firmly behind our Archbishop,” said a senior lay member after the meeting.

With the Board’s resolution, Archbishop Ibezim leaves the matter vindicated, as the Diocese of Awka reaffirms its unity and focus on evangelism, education, and service. Anglican Church via the Board passed a vote of confidence on the Archbishop.