The Anglican Communion in Nigeria, particularly the Province of the Niger and the Diocese of Awka, has recently become the subject of unfortunate, childish, pedestrian and deeply misguided attacks, orchestrated under the guise of concern for the Church.
The perpetrators of the evil acts and their demonic minded sponsors seek to malign the name of the Most Reverend Alexander Chibuzor Ibezim, PhD Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese. Their target was and still is to disgrace him out of office or ridicule him before other Bishops and Archbishops in the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion. They want him removed.
These so-called “crusaders” are neither defenders of truth nor champions of the Gospel. They are political pawns, driven by malice, envy, and the basest form of propaganda. Their writings reek of childish tantrums disguised as petitions, full of half-baked claims and innuendos, and their sponsors are nothing short of agents of division.
*A Reputation Built on Humility and Integrity*
Archbishop Ibezim is no ordinary Church leader. Over the years, he has established himself as a humble servant of God, a man who carries with dignity the heavy responsibility of shepherding both the flock of Awka Diocese and the entire Province of the Niger. He is known for his calm spirit, his simplicity of life, and his tireless zeal for evangelism. He has spearheaded missions that planted new churches, built schools, and provided healthcare access to communities that governments had long neglected.
Under his leadership, the Diocese of Awka has grown spiritually and structurally. Many youths have been mentored into priesthood, lay training has been strengthened, and the Diocese has become a hub of spiritual revival. To attempt to reduce such a legacy to baseless accusations of “land sales” and “forgery” is not only laughable but a tragic insult to the very intelligence of Anglicans and the Christian communities who know this man of God firsthand.
*The Childishness of the “Nine Crusaders”*
One does not need to be a theologian or investigative journalist to see through the gimmicks of the so-called Nine Crusaders. They claim to be “five priests and four lay persons” with “insider knowledge,” yet they hide under anonymity. What kind of truth-bearers are too cowardly to put their names to their claims? Even Scripture declares: “The wicked flee when no man pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion” (Proverbs 28:1).
Their allegations range from the absurd to the ridiculous. They allege that the Archbishop sold off “60% of diocesan land between 2020 and 2021.” Really? Do they imagine land transactions are conducted like trading yams in the open market? Land sales of such magnitude, if they ever happened, would have left clear, verifiable records. And if there are records, then it’s not as presented. Anglican Church has a Diocesan Board and these lands sold weren’t sold without the imprimatur of the Diocesan Board. If the Board approves it, then everyone in the Board is culpable, not only Archbishop Ibezim.
How senseless some accusations are. They conjure up imaginary figures and even accuse the Archbishop of forging the signature of a retired judge. A forged signature is a legal matter, where are the court cases? Where are the forensic reports? Silence. Because their claims are hollow and baseless.
Their biggest claim is that ₦350 million was handed to Chief Victor Oye to secure the Deputy Governorship slot for Dr Onyekachi Ibezim, the Archbishop’s younger brother. Again, childish nonsense. How is it then that Governor Chukwuma Soludo, a man not known for being anyone’s puppet, re-nominated Dr Ibezim for a second term without any such “payments”? If money bought the first ticket, did money also buy the second? The allegation collapses under the weight of its own stupidity.
*Political Masqueraders in Church Garments*
What is obvious here is that the “Nine Crusaders” are political masqueraders. They are less interested in the Church of God and more concerned with re-litigating political battles already decided in 2021. Their bitterness over Dr Onyekachi Ibezim’s emergence as Deputy Governor is the root of their mischief. They drag the Archbishop’s name into political mudslinging, hoping that if they cannot defeat him on the pulpit, they can at least smear him on paper.
Let it be known: the Church is not a political battleground. The Archbishop has consistently maintained that his primary duty is the salvation of souls, not the distribution of political offices. His humility and integrity are evident in his lifestyle and ministry. Unlike the self-serving voices attacking him, Archbishop Ibezim has never sought self-enrichment through the Church. His modest way of life contrasts sharply with the “palatial homes” they accuse him of owning. Every reasonable Anglican knows that those who shout the loudest about corruption are often those with their own skeletons rattling in the cupboard.
*A Shepherd Who Loves His Flock*
Ask the faithful of Awka Diocese who Archbishop Ibezim is, and you will hear testimonies of a shepherd who loves his flock. He has visited rural parishes where others feared to tread, encouraged young priests with scholarships and mentorship, and championed women and youth empowerment initiatives within the Church. He is not a man of empty words but of action—his works speak louder than the foolish petitions of his detractors.
The so-called Crusaders allege that clergy salaries went unpaid while the Archbishop was “funding politics.” Again, laughable. Anyone familiar with church administration knows that Clergy salaries are paid promptly till date in accordance to the rules of
engagement. To twist evil and false assumptions into tales of “lavish political spending” is the height of dishonesty.
*When Critics Look Foolish*
What makes these petitions particularly shameful is their tone. They call a revered Archbishop a “virus” and compile a “catalogue of shame” as though the Church were a political party congress. This kind of language exposes the immaturity of the writers. Serious-minded Christians, even when raising concerns, do so with respect and constructive spirit. But these writers are intoxicated with bitterness. They think they are clever, but in truth, they look like children throwing stones at a cathedral—loud but powerless, noisy but ineffective.
*The Archbishop’s True Legacy*
History will not remember the “Nine Crusaders.” Their anonymous rants will soon be forgotten. But Archbishop Alexander Ibezim’s legacy will endure. He will be remembered as a preacher of the Gospel, a teacher of the Word, and a father to his flock. His work in advancing education, promoting missions, and strengthening Anglican unity will speak louder than the childish pamphlets of his detractors.
The Anglican Communion has weathered storms far stronger than this. From colonial resistance to internal disputes, the Church has always triumphed because the truth cannot be buried by lies. This period of malicious conspiracies and accusations too shall pass.
*A Call to Maturity*
Let those who seek to destroy the Church through baseless petitions remember that they are playing with holy fire. The Church of Christ is not a playground for petty politics. Archbishop Ibezim remains a man of integrity, humility, and vision, an instrument in God’s hand for such a time as this.
To the Nine Crusaders and their sponsors, I say: repent. Your childish antics have already made you look foolish before men and God. Your energy would be better spent preaching the Gospel, feeding the poor, and strengthening the Body of Christ. The Archbishop you fight is not your problem; the bitterness in your hearts is.
And to the faithful Anglican in Anambra and beyond: stand firm, support your Archbishop, and do not be distracted. For the gates of hell shall not prevail against the Church of Christ. Shalom!
Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu PhD JP is the publicist of the Diocese of Awka/ Province of the Niger, Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion. He writes from Amanuke Awka North, Anambra State. He is a Journalist, Editor, Author, Union Leader, Community Leader, Inspirational Teacher & Social Commentator.
08060750240
