Beluolisa Nwofor gives Aguata Bishop 48 hours to apologise over letter announcing his removal
By Heapnews
Chief Beluolisa Nwofor, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and Chancellor of the Diocese of Awka, Anglican Communion, has demanded N5 billion in damages from the Bishop of Aguata Diocese, Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor, over a letter announcing his removal from office, which he describes as libellous.
Nwofor also demanded the withdrawal of the letter within 24 hours and a public apology within 48 hours, warning that he would institute legal proceedings if the demands were not met.
The demands were contained in a letter dated Oct. 19 and made available to journalists on Tuesday.
Titled “Demand for Immediate Retraction of the Offensive Letter and Public Apology,” the letter responded to Ezeofor’s Oct. 17 correspondence titled “Removal as the Chancellor of the Diocese of Awka (Anglican Communion).”
Nwofor alleged that the letter was intended to damage his reputation and argued that Ezeofor lacked the authority to appoint or remove the chancellor of Awka Diocese.
He cited the Constitution and Regulations of the Diocese of Awka, 2023, which he said vested the power to appoint the chancellor and other legal officers in the Bishop of Awka Diocese.
According to Nwofor, 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, arguing that none of the constitutional conditions for terminating his tenure had been met.
Nwofor also challenged Ezeofor to identify the alleged misconduct and specify the lawful directives he was accused of disobeying.
He 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 before the court.
The chancellor demanded payment of N5 billion in damages within seven days of receipt of the letter.
He warned that failure to meet the demands would leave him with no option but to seek legal redress.
Copies of the letter were sent to the Primate, Chancellor and Registrar of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion.