Awka Diocese Chancellor Seeks N5bn Damages From Aguata Bishop

Awka Diocese Chancellor Seeks N5bn Damages From Aguata Bishop

Chief Beluolisa Nwofor, SAN, Chancellor of the Diocese of Awka, Anglican Communion, has demanded N5 billion in damages from Aguata Bishop, Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor, over an allegedly defamatory removal letter.

In a letter dated October 19, Nwofor demanded the immediate withdrawal of the disputed letter and a public apology, threatening legal action if the bishop failed to meet his demands.

Nwofor gave Ezeofor 24 hours to retract the letter and 48 hours to issue a public apology, warning that failure to comply would leave him with no option but litigation.

The letter, titled “Demand for Immediate Retraction of the Offensive Letter and Public Apology,” responded to Ezeofor’s October 17 correspondence announcing Nwofor’s removal as Chancellor of Awka Diocese.

Describing the publication as libellous, Nwofor alleged that the letter was intended to damage his reputation and challenged the bishop’s authority to remove him from the position.

He argued that Ezeofor, as Bishop of Aguata Diocese, lacked the constitutional authority to appoint or remove the Chancellor of Awka Diocese, insisting that the powers belonged elsewhere.

According to Nwofor, the Constitution and Regulations of the Diocese of Awka, 2023, empower the Bishop of Awka Diocese to appoint the chancellor and other legal officers.

He stated that Archbishop Alexander Ibezim, Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, appointed him in accordance with the provisions of the diocesan constitution.

The chancellor maintained that his appointment remained valid, arguing that none of the constitutional conditions required to terminate his tenure had occurred before the disputed removal announcement.

Nwofor also challenged Ezeofor to identify the specific misconduct attributed to him and the lawful directives he was allegedly accused of disobeying, demanding clarification of the allegations.

He disclosed that the controversy surrounding Ezeofor’s appointment was already before the Anambra State High Court in Suit No. A/371/2026, with proceedings ongoing.

According to Nwofor, a motion seeking to set aside Ezeofor’s appointment was pending before the court, adding another legal dimension to the dispute between the church officials.

The Awka Diocese chancellor demanded N5 billion in damages within seven days of the bishop receiving his letter, warning that non-compliance would prompt further legal action.

Copies of the demand letter were sent to the Primate, Chancellor and Registrar of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, for their information regarding the escalating dispute.