Anglican Church in crisis as chancellor Nwofor demands N5 billion in damages over removal
Beluolisa Nwofor, the chancellor of the Diocese of Awka, Anglican Communion, has demanded N5 billion in damages from the bishop of Aguata Diocese, Samuel Ezeofor, for announcing his removal from office.
Mr Nwofor, in a letter dated October 19, 2026, to Mr Ezeofor, also demanded that he withdraw the letter removing him within 24 hours and issue a public apology within 48 hours.
In the letter titled ‘Demand for Immediate Retraction of the Offensive Letter and Public Apology’, he warned that he would institute legal proceedings if the demands were not met. It was a response to Mr Ezeofor’s October 17 letter titled ‘Removal as the Chancellor of the Diocese of Awka (Anglican Communion)’.
Mr Nwofor described the publication as “libellous” and alleged that it was intended to tarnish his reputation. He argued that Mr Ezeofor, as the bishop of Aguata Diocese, lacked the authority to appoint or remove the chancellor of Awka Diocese.
According to him, the Constitution and Regulations of the Diocese of Awka, 2023, empower the bishop of Awka Diocese to appoint the chancellor and other legal officers.
Mr Nwofor said Alexander Ibezim, the suspended archbishop of the Province of the Niger and bishop of Awka Diocese, appointed him under the diocesan constitution. He maintained that his tenure remained valid, arguing that none of the conditions stipulated in the constitution for terminating his appointment had occurred.
He also challenged Mr Ezeofor to specify the alleged misconduct and lawful directives he was accused of flouting. He further disclosed that the dispute over Mr Ezeofor’s appointment was already before the Anambra State High Court in Suit No. A/371/2026, with a motion seeking to set aside the appointment pending in court.
Mr Nwofor demanded that Mr Ezeofor pay N5 billion in damages within seven days of receiving the letter. He warned that failure to comply would leave him with no option but to seek redress in court.
Copies of the letter were sent to the primate, chancellor and registrar of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
States
Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future
The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Abuja
TCN announces 16-hour power outage in parts of Abuja, Niger
TCN said the interruption would occur between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on each of the two days.
States
Terrorists surrender 12 rifles, release 10 kidnap victims in Kwara
The report said the rescued victims and recovered weapons were in military custody.
Heading 5
Ex-police officer to be castrated for child sex abuse in Louisiana
District Judge Kevin Kimball sentenced Mr Williams to three life terms in prison and ruled that he would be castrated.
Politics
Obi is incorruptible, says Kwankwaso
Mr Kwankwaso said the attribute is key and needed in the governance of the nation.
Politics
Katsina PDP guber candidate pledges to end unemployment
The candidate said that if elected, he would prioritise policies that would enable young people to secure employment.
States
Zamfara: Abducted children, women rescued after 22 days in bandits’ den
Mr Abubakar said the police, the State Security Service and local hunters swiftly mobilised and carried out a well-coordinated rescue operation.
