Chief Beluolisa Nwofor, SAN, Chancellor, Diocese of Awka, Anglican Communion, has demanded N5 billion in damages from the Bishop of Aguata Diocese, Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor, over an alleged libellous letter announcing his removal from office.
Nwofor, in a letter dated Oct. 19, addressed to Ezeofor, also demanded the withdrawal of the letter within 24 hours and a public apology within 48 hours.
In the letter made available to newsmen on Tuesday, he warned that he would institute legal proceedings if the demands were not met.
The letter, titled “Demand for Immediate Retraction of the Offensive Letter and Public Apology,” was a response to Ezeofor’s Oct. 17 letter entitled “Removal as the Chancellor of the Diocese of Awka (Anglican Communion).”
Nwofor described the publication as libellous and alleged that it was intended to tarnish his reputation.
He argued that Ezeofor, as 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.
Nwofor said he was appointed by Archbishop Alexander Ibezim, Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, in accordance with 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.
The chancellor also challenged Ezeofor to specify the alleged misconduct and lawful directives he was accused of flouting.
He further disclosed that the dispute over 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.
Nwofor demanded that Ezeofor pay N5 billion in damages within seven days of receiving the letter.
He warned that failure to comply with the demands 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.
