By George Ozalla
The Anglican Diocese of Awka has vindicated Archbishop Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim of allegations of financial impropriety after an emergency Diocesan Board meeting. The Board dismissed claims of ₦752 million land sale proceeds being diverted into the Archbishop’s private account, describing the petition as “false, baseless, and aimed at tarnishing the good image of the Church and the Archbishop.”
The allegations were made by Prince Bonti Echezona Onuigbo, who reportedly engaged lawyer Chief Tagbo Ike, SAN, to pursue the matter. However, the Board questioned Onuigbo’s standing, revealing he was neither a registered member of the Cathedral nor a stakeholder in the Diocese.
The Board’s investigation revealed that the land sales were transparent and guided by binding resolutions of the Diocese. Prof. Emma Ezenwaji, President Diocesan Council of Knights, testified that the policy was formally adopted in 2017 and ratified in the Synopses of Awka Diocesan Synod of 2016 and 2018.
The Diocesan Treasurer, Prof. Clifford Nwanna, and Financial Secretary, Mrs. Lovelyn Umeh, presented financial records confirming that all proceeds from land sales were duly paid into the Diocesan account.
The Board also addressed allegations of retrenchment, with Ven. B. K. Ofili attesting that the Diocese had established new institutions, creating jobs rather than eliminating them. These institutions include Paul University, Awka, the Archbishop Alexander Ibezim College of Education, Nibo-Nise, and several secondary and primary schools.
After hours of deliberation, the Board resolved unanimously that the petition was unfounded and politically motivated. The resolution read, “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 Diocese reaffirmed its unity and focus on evangelism, education, and service, stating, “The integrity of the Church remains intact. We stand firmly behind our Archbishop.” With the Board’s resolution, Archbishop Ibezim leaves the matter vindicated.
