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)
