Onaiyekan: Catholic Church Suspended Governor Alia From Public Ministry as Priest
Cardinal John Onaiyekan has reportedly stated that Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, remains suspended from public ministry as a Catholic priest, raising questions about his continued use of clerical attire.
According to the remarks attributed to the cardinal, the suspension bars Alia from exercising priestly functions publicly, including celebrating Mass and wearing clerical vestments, in accordance with the applicable rules of the Catholic Church.
The comments have reignited debate over the distinction between Alia’s political responsibilities as governor and his status within the Catholic priesthood.
A Catholic commentator, who identified as having been born and raised in the Church, stressed that wearing a clerical collar or priestly robes does not automatically establish that a person is impersonating a priest. However, the commentator argued that anyone under ecclesiastical suspension should respect the Church’s regulations governing public ministry and clerical dress.
The commentator also expressed disappointment over Alia’s alleged conduct, insisting that priests are expected to uphold standards of discipline, decorum and moral responsibility.
The remarks further called on the governor to respect the traditions and established rules of the Catholic Church, particularly if his continued appearance in clerical attire is not connected to an authorised religious function.
However, the specific terms and current status of Alia’s reported suspension, as well as the exact context of Cardinal Onaiyekan’s remarks, would require confirmation from the cardinal or the relevant Catholic Church authorities.
The development highlights the need to distinguish between political office, priestly identity and the canonical restrictions that may apply to a cleric under ecclesiastical discipline.