Why peaceful dialogue should prevail in the Benue Catholic Church dispute

The ongoing disagreement between Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, and the Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Makurdi, Most Rev. Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe, has continued to generate public debate, particularly following comments attributed to Cardinal John Onaiyekan concerning the governor’s political involvement and his status as a Catholic priest.

In a video published on the SYMFONI YouTube channel on Friday, October 9, 2026, Cardinal Onaiyekan reportedly explained that the Catholic Church permits a priest to participate in politics only under strict conditions, including obtaining permission from his bishop, who must consult other bishops before granting approval.

While the church’s rules concerning the political participation of ordained priests deserve consideration, the controversy raises broader questions about religious authority, the rights and responsibilities of public officeholders, the relationship between the church and the state, and the need for peaceful dialogue when disagreements arise among religious leaders and political officeholders. As the debate continues, it is important to examine the circumstances surrounding Governor Alia’s emergence, the expectations of his supporters, and the need for the Catholic Church’s leadership to approach the disagreement with wisdom, restraint and a commitment to reconciliation.

Alia’s Priestly Background and Political Journey

Governor Alia’s emergence as a political figure was significant because of his background as a Catholic priest. Before entering politics, he had devoted many years to priestly service, building a public identity that connected his religious vocation with his desire to contribute to the development of his community. For many of his supporters, his decision to contest the governorship represented an opportunity to bring his experience, values and understanding of the challenges facing ordinary people into public administration.

Indeed, his political ambition attracted considerable attention among sections of the Catholic community and the wider population of Benue State. Supporters viewed his candidacy as an opportunity for a new approach to governance, particularly in a state where development challenges and concerns about security had become important public issues. However, the enthusiasm surrounding his political emergence does not, by itself, settle the question of whether his transition from priestly ministry to elective office complied with the relevant provisions of Catholic canon law.

That question requires an examination of the applicable church regulations, the circumstances of his departure from active priestly ministry, and any permissions or disciplinary decisions issued by the competent ecclesiastical authorities. Nevertheless, disagreements over these matters should not automatically become grounds for personal attacks or public hostility. They should instead encourage constructive engagement between the parties involved.

Cardinal Onaiyekan’s Position and the Need for Restraint

Cardinal John Onaiyekan is a prominent figure in the Catholic Church whose views on religious and national affairs have attracted public attention over the years. His intervention in the dispute between Governor Alia and Bishop Anagbe appears to reflect concerns about the relationship between the governor’s political office and his priestly identity.

However, questions have arisen over whether publicly demanding the governor’s resignation from the priesthood, or questioning his continued use of the title of Reverend Father, represents the most constructive way to address the disagreement. Although church authorities have established procedures for regulating the conduct of their clergy, the application of those rules should be guided by due process, fairness and a clear understanding of the circumstances of each case.

It is also, important to distinguish between legitimate criticism of a public official and statements that could deepen divisions among members of the same religious community.

Cardinal Onaiyekan’s position should therefore, be considered alongside the need for a peaceful resolution of the disagreement. Support for a fellow bishop does not necessarily require the adoption of a confrontational approach towards a governor who also comes from the Catholic tradition. The overriding objective should be to establish the facts, clarify the applicable church regulations and create an environment in which the parties can resolve their differences without escalating tensions.

Does the Dispute Require a Public Confrontation?

The disagreement raises an important question: can a dispute involving a governor and a bishop be resolved through dialogue rather than public confrontation?

Governor Alia occupies a constitutionally established political office, while Bishop Anagbe exercises ecclesiastical authority within the Catholic Church. Their responsibilities are different, even though their respective positions may intersect on issues affecting the welfare of the people.

The governor is accountable to the electorate and must answer questions concerning his administration, policies and use of public resources. The bishop, on the other hand, has responsibilities relating to the spiritual welfare of the faithful and the administration of his diocese. Neither responsibility should be used to undermine the legitimate functions of the other. Where disagreements arise, both sides have an opportunity to demonstrate leadership through dialogue, mutual respect and a willingness to listen.

A public exchange of accusations may attract attention, but it does not necessarily resolve the underlying issues. A carefully managed reconciliation process, involving appropriate church authorities and other respected stakeholders, could help establish common ground. The people of Benue State have pressing concerns that require attention, including security, economic development, employment and access to essential services. A prolonged disagreement between prominent figures should not be allowed to overshadow these challenges.

Alia’s Supporters Point to His Development Agenda

Supporters of Governor Alia argue that his administration should be assessed primarily on its record in office, while any ecclesiastical questions surrounding his former priestly ministry should be handled through the appropriate church procedures. They point to projects and programmes they say demonstrate the administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure, healthcare and economic opportunities in Benue State.

Among the achievements cited by his supporters are road reconstruction, rehabilitation of public facilities, improvements to drainage infrastructure and efforts to revive industries. They have also, highlighted the reported establishment of a cancer treatment centre, which they regard as an important step towards improving access to specialised healthcare in the North-Central region.

The administration’s supporters further point to projects inaugurated or commissioned in the presence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu and other dignitaries as evidence of efforts to attract national attention and investment to the state. Another project they anticipate is the proposed commissioning of Taraku Mills in December 2026, subject to the project’s readiness and official confirmation of the commissioning date.

These claims and projects provide a basis for evaluating the administration’s performance. However, a comprehensive assessment would also require independently verifiable information about project completion, expenditure, accessibility and the benefits delivered to residents.

Ultimately, the people of Benue State have the right to evaluate their governor on the basis of his administration’s performance, just as they have the right to demand transparency and accountability from their elected representatives.

Public Office Comes With Accountability

While defending Governor Alia against what his supporters regard as unfair personal attacks, it is equally important to recognise that occupying the office of governor does not place anyone above scrutiny. The governor’s political mandate comes with constitutional responsibilities and obligations to the people of Benue State.

Consequently, allegations concerning personal wealth, public expenditure or the management of state resources should be examined through evidence rather than assumptions or political sentiment.

If credible questions arise about the governor’s financial dealings, they should be addressed through appropriate investigative and accountability mechanisms. The same principle should apply to every other public official, irrespective of political affiliation, religious background or personal connections. Similarly, Cardinal Onaiyekan’s own record should be discussed on the basis of verifiable facts rather than insinuations about his personal life or motives.

The principle of accountability must be applied consistently. Criticism should be evidence-based, and allegations should not be treated as established facts merely because they are made by influential individuals.

This approach would help ensure that the controversy does not degenerate into a contest of personal accusations.

Religious Authority and the Question of Canon Law

One of the most sensitive aspects of the controversy concerns whether Governor Alia can continue to be addressed as a Reverend Father while serving as governor. This issue requires a careful distinction between his historical identity as an ordained priest and his present status under the rules of the Catholic Church. Ordination in the Catholic Church is generally understood as a permanent sacramental commitment.

However, the exercise of priestly ministry, permission to undertake particular activities and the right to use ecclesiastical titles are matters governed by church law and ecclesiastical authority.

The fact that ordination is considered permanent does not automatically mean that every ordained person is free to undertake any public role without observing the church’s disciplinary requirements. Likewise, an individual’s political involvement does not, by itself, establish that he has ceased to be an ordained priest. The specific circumstances and applicable canonical provisions must be examined.

It would therefore be inappropriate to conclude, without reviewing the relevant decisions and church regulations, that Cardinal Onaiyekan alone has the authority to determine Governor Alia’s ecclesiastical status.

The competent church authorities should clarify the matter through the established procedures, ensuring that the public receives an accurate explanation rather than conflicting interpretations. Such clarification would help reduce speculation and prevent the dispute from becoming a source of unnecessary division among Catholics and other Nigerians.

The Wider Question of Priests in Public Life

The controversy also raises questions about the relationship between religious service and political participation in Nigeria. Religious leaders have historically contributed to public discussions on governance, justice, human rights, corruption and national development. Some have supported particular policies, while others have criticised governments over decisions they consider contrary to the public interest. However, there is a difference between contributing to political discourse and occupying an elective political office.

The Catholic Church has its own rules governing the participation of clerics in public office. Those rules should be understood and applied consistently, rather than selectively invoked in response to political disagreements.

References to other religious leaders who have participated in public affairs may help illustrate the broader debate, but each case must be considered according to its specific circumstances and applicable regulations.

The important question is not whether every religious leader should support Governor Alia.

Rather, it is whether disagreements involving religious authority and political leadership can be resolved fairly, transparently and without personal hostility.

The 2027 Election and the People’s Democratic Mandate

As political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, the controversy surrounding Governor Alia may become entangled with competing political interests. Supporters of the governor maintain that his electoral mandate should be respected and that the people of Benue State should retain the freedom to decide whether they want him to continue in office.

They point to the support he received during the election that brought him to power and argue that his political future should ultimately be determined through the democratic process. That position reflects an important democratic principle: elected officials derive their political authority from the constitutional electoral process and remain accountable to the electorate.

Nevertheless, electoral support does not exempt a governor from criticism, nor does it prevent religious authorities from expressing legitimate concerns about matters within their jurisdiction.

Similarly, religious disagreements should not be used to diminish the constitutional rights of citizens or replace established democratic procedures.

As the 2027 elections approach, all stakeholders should resist attempts to turn religious disagreements into political weapons. Voters should be able to assess the governor’s performance, consider alternative candidates and make their choices freely.

An Appeal for Reconciliation Among Catholic Leaders

The current disagreement presents an opportunity for the Catholic Church’s leadership to demonstrate the values of humility, forgiveness, fairness and peaceful coexistence that are central to Christian teaching. Cardinal Onaiyekan, Bishop Anagbe and Governor Alia occupy different positions, but all have an interest in ensuring that the dispute does not cause lasting damage to relationships within the Catholic community or the wider society.

Nigerian bishops and other respected religious leaders could help by encouraging a process of reconciliation that allows all parties to present their concerns and seek a mutually acceptable resolution. Such a process should not require anyone to abandon legitimate principles or ignore applicable church regulations. Instead, it should ensure that the relevant questions are addressed through the appropriate channels, with respect for due process and the dignity of everyone involved.

Governor Alia’s supporters should also exercise restraint by avoiding personal attacks against church leaders and refraining from making unsubstantiated allegations about their conduct or motivations.

The same standard should apply to those criticising the governor.

Public disagreements are best resolved through facts, constructive engagement and a willingness to recognise the limits of one’s authority.

The controversy involving Governor Alia, Cardinal Onaiyekan and Bishop Anagbe touches on important questions about religious authority, political leadership and democratic accountability. While Governor Alia’s supporters have the right to defend his record and question the manner in which he is being criticised, the debate should not descend into personal attacks or unverified allegations against any of the parties.

Equally, concerns about the governor’s priestly status should be addressed through the appropriate ecclesiastical procedures, with clear explanations of the applicable rules and decisions. The people of Benue State deserve a political environment in which their leaders concentrate on security, development, healthcare, education and economic opportunities. They also, deserve a religious environment in which disagreements are addressed with fairness, humility and respect.

I, therefore, appeal to the Nigerian Catholic bishops, particularly Bishop Anagbe and other respected church leaders, to support a peaceful resolution of the dispute. Let the relevant authorities clarify the issues, let the parties embrace dialogue, and let the people of Benue State continue to exercise their democratic rights without unnecessary religious or political hostility.

For Christians, the enduring message should be one of peace, justice, forgiveness and mutual respect. For public officials, it should be accountability and service to the people.

Ultimately, neither political authority nor religious influence should become a reason for division when dialogue and due process offer a path towards reconciliation.

…Mammah writes from Abuja