By Our Correspondent
Awka, Anambra State – August 21, 2025
Fresh controversy has engulfed the Diocese of Awka (Anglican Communion) as its Chancellor, Hon. Justice Sir O.J. Okeke, has declined participation in a diocesan “Reconciliation” meeting scheduled for Thursday, 21st August, 2025, at Our Saviour’s Church, Awka. In a strongly worded letter addressed to Rev. Canon K.E.N. Chukwukamma, the Chancellor described the meeting as a “charade” and raised serious allegations concerning the sale of diocesan land and forgery of his signature.
Background to the Dispute
The dispute came to light following an Emergency Diocesan Board Meeting held on Monday, 18th August, 2025, at Mount Zion International Retreat and Resource Centre, Awka. According to Justice Okeke, the meeting, presided over by the Archbishop and his wife, included several individuals who are not recognized members of the Diocesan Board.
In his account, the Chancellor alleged that both the Archbishop and his wife directed insults at him, branding him a traitor and accusing him of suffering from dementia. He further claimed that “praise singers and foot soldiers” were given repeated opportunities to speak, while his own intervention was limited and reluctantly allowed.
Core Allegation: Forgery in Land Sales
The Chancellor’s principal contention is that his signature was forged in the sale of diocesan plots of land, a matter he insists was deliberately suppressed during the proceedings. Instead of addressing the forgery allegation, the Archbishop reportedly announced the formation of a “Reconciliation Committee” composed mainly of his supporters, which Justice Okeke refused to join.
“Forgery is a criminal offence and cannot be resolved by a so-called reconciliation committee,” the Chancellor wrote in his letter. He stressed that since he has been accused of petitioning the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the matter should rightly be left for the EFCC to investigate—both to determine the authorship of the petition and to uncover who forged his signature in the land transactions.
Theological and Legal Implications
Observers note that the issue touches on both canonical integrity and legal accountability. Church lands are regarded as sacred trust property, acquired through the sacrifices of faithful Anglicans over generations. Allegations of forgery and unauthorized sale strike at the heart of ecclesial stewardship and threaten to erode public confidence in church leadership.
Legal experts also affirm that forgery is a criminal matter under Nigerian law and cannot be settled by internal committees without due process. The Chancellor’s insistence on EFCC involvement underscores the seriousness of the allegations.
Calls for Transparency
The letter concludes with a biblical appeal to truth and accountability: “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free” (John 8:32). This has resonated with many lay Anglicans who have begun calling for an independent investigation and greater transparency in diocesan property management.
Next Steps
As of press time, the Diocese of Awka has not issued an official response to Justice Okeke’s claims. The situation remains tense, with many faithful awaiting clarification from ecclesiastical authorities and possible intervention by civil institutions.
