Chief Beluolisa Nwofor, SAN, Chancellor of the Diocese of Awka, Anglican Communion, has threatened legal action against the Bishop of Aguata Diocese, Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor, demanding N5 billion in damages over an alleged libellous letter announcing his removal from office.
Nwofor, in a letter dated Oct. 19, demanded that Ezeofor withdraw the letter within 24 hours and issue a public apology within 48 hours, warning that failure to comply would leave him with no option but to seek redress in court.
The letter, made available to newsmen on Tuesday, was titled “Demand for Immediate Retraction of the Offensive Letter and Public Apology.”
It was a response to Ezeofor’s Oct. 17 letter titled “Removal as the Chancellor of the Diocese of Awka (Anglican Communion).”
Nwofor described the removal letter as libellous, alleging that its publication was intended to damage his reputation.
He argued that Ezeofor, as Bishop of Aguata Diocese, lacked the constitutional authority to appoint or remove the Chancellor of Awka Diocese.
According to him, the Constitution and Regulations of the Diocese of Awka, 2023, vest the power to appoint the chancellor and other legal officers in the Bishop of Awka Diocese.
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 appointment remained valid, insisting that none of the conditions stipulated in the constitution for terminating his tenure had occurred.
The chancellor also challenged Ezeofor to identify the alleged misconduct and specify the lawful directives he was accused of disobeying.
He further disclosed that the dispute surrounding 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 before the court.
Nwofor demanded payment of N5 billion in damages within seven days of receipt of his letter, in addition to the withdrawal of the disputed publication and a public apology within the specified deadlines.
READ ALSO: Sanwo-Olu Offers Rewards for Outstanding NYSC Corps Members
Expert Urges Africans to Invest in Media Ownership to Challenge Global Stereotypes
He warned that failure to meet the demands would prompt him to institute legal proceedings to protect his reputation and seek redress.
Copies of the letter were also sent to the Primate, Chancellor and Registrar of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion.
About The Author
