An Awka High Court on Thursday, October 22, 2026, heard arguments in the suit filed by the suspended Archbishop of Awka Province, Archbishop Alexander Ibezim, against the Primate of the Church of Nigeria.
Archbishop Ibezim’s legal team was led by B.E.I. Nwofor, SAN, former Chancellor of the Diocese of Awka, while the Primate’s team was led by Chijioke Emeka, SAN, who appeared with over ten other counsel.
Proceedings, which lasted over two hours, centred on which application should be heard first.
Nwofor, SAN, urged the court to hear his motion seeking to set aside the letter from the Primate directing Archbishop Ibezim to proceed on six months leave and restraining Bishop Samuel Ezeofor, the Supervising Bishop of Awka Diocese, from taking over the affairs of the Diocese. He argued that the Primate’s letter, issued after the suit was filed, amounted to contempt.
In response, Counsel to the Primate, Chijioke Emeka, SAN, drew the court’s attention to four Notices of Preliminary Objection challenging the competence of the suit and the jurisdiction of the court. He argued that jurisdiction is fundamental and ought to be determined first.
Emeka also informed the court that his team became aware of the suit via social media and that the Primate’s letter dated 13th October was issued without knowledge of the pending litigation. He added that Bishop Ezeofor had already assumed office as Supervising Bishop.
Arguments also ensued over the proper service of court processes on the Primate in Abuja.
The presiding Judge, Justice Obiora Nwabunike, who maintained firm control of proceedings, cautioned counsel to de-escalate tension and stated that the court would hear all pending applications without making any prejudicial interim orders.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter to 26th November, 2026 for hearing of the substantive motion and the preliminary objections on jurisdiction.
By implication, the status quo remains: Archbishop Ibezim remains on leave as directed by the Primate, while Bishop Ezeofor continues to act as Supervising Bishop of Awka Diocese pending the next adjourned date.
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