The suspended Archbishop of Awka Diocese in Anambra State, Most Revd Alexander Ibezim, has withdrawn the legal action he instituted against the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Revd Henry Ndukuba, over his six-month suspension.
Ibezim said the decision was intended to create an opportunity for an amicable settlement between the parties outside the courtroom.
The Archbishop had approached the Anambra State High Court, Awka Division, in suit number A/371/2026, seeking to overturn his suspension and secure reinstatement as Bishop of Awka and Archbishop of the Province of the Niger.
Ndukuba had announced Ibezim’s suspension in a letter dated October 13, citing administrative issues. He subsequently appointed the Bishop of Aguata Diocese, Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor, to oversee Awka Diocese and coordinate the Province of the Niger during the suspension period.
The Dean of the Church of Nigeria and Chairman of the visitation team to Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Blessing Enyindah, was also listed as a defendant in the case.
The withdrawal was formally communicated through a motion filed on November 13, 2026, by Ibezim’s Senior Counsel, Mr Beluolisa Nwofor (SAN).
In the notice of discontinuance, the Archbishop informed the court that he was withdrawing the suit to allow both parties to pursue an out-of-court settlement.
The development signals a possible shift towards resolving the dispute through dialogue rather than further legal proceedings.
