Fr. Hyacinth Alia: From Spiritual Warfare To Political Leadership In Benue State; By Austin Ogah

FR. HYACINTH Alia’s journey from being a Catholic priest with a strong reputation for liberating people from evil spirits to becoming the Governor of Benue State is a narrative rich in complexity, faith, resilience, and ambition. His story is one of defying expectations, overcoming challenges, and making bold incursions into politics. 

In 2013, while still working in a bank as manager, I first encountered Fr. Alia through a casual mention from a colleague who spoke of his work at the parish or outstation near the first gate of Benue State University along Gboko Road in Makurdi. He was known for his ability to confront and dispel juju powers and liberate people from evil spirits.

Fr. Alia’s decision to enter into politics was therefore both surprising and compelling. As a man who had spent much of his life in the service of the Church, his move into the political arena raised many questions. Why would a man so dedicated to his faith and spiritual mission suddenly turn to politics? It wasn’t until Fr. Alia began his foray into politics that the full extent of his ambition and resilience became clear.

I had heard rumours of his spiritual feats, and my curiosity grew as I learned more about his reputation as a man who wielded spiritual authority in a way that could bring about real change in people’s lives. Fr. Alia’s spiritual reputation was something that set him apart from other priests. While some priests might have been more concerned with the day-to-day rituals of the Church, Fr. Alia had earned a reputation for engaging with the supernatural in a direct and practical way. His reputation was such that many in Makurdi considered him a “spiritual warlord,” a figure capable of confronting the bad spirits that plagued people’s lives.

His fame was not built on charisma alone but rather on his apparent success in confronting forces that others could not see or understand. His ministry, filled with stories of exorcisms and liberations, stood as a beacon of hope for those tormented by evil forces or so. The residents of Makurdi, in particular, admired him not only for his spiritual prowess but also for his calm demeanour. Unlike the more sensationalist figures in the spiritual landscape, like Fr. Ejike Mbaka, Fr. Alia was known for his genuine commitment to his mission and an unwavering belief in God’s power to overcome evil.

Over time, I still had occasional interactions with Fr. Alia, particularly when he visited my friend, Fr. John, at St. Theresa’s Parish in Makurdi. What struck me most about these interactions was his calm conduct. He was never someone who sought attention; instead, he exuded a quiet, almost otherworldly confidence.

Unlike some priests who might use their position to gain popularity or material wealth, Fr. Alia was a refreshingly humble guy. He rarely accepted invitations to eat or drink with us, and whenever he did, he did so in a manner that suggested that he was not particularly accustomed to such indulgences. It was as though he was a man on a higher mission, not interested in the simple pleasures that others might be interested in. This unusual behaviour left me wondering about his true nature: was he simply a deeply disciplined individual, or was there something more to his spiritual calling that influenced his behaviour?

While Fr. Alia’s spiritual reputation continued to grow, it was not without controversy. He became embroiled in a series of disagreements with his Bishop, which, as many Catholics in Makurdi suspected, was most likely due to his unorthodox methods. The very powers that Fr. Alia sought to confront and defeat were the same powers that seemed to create friction between him and his ecclesiastical superiors. He was, after all, a man who made a name for himself by challenging the status quo, which put him at odds with certain institutional elements within the Church.

The excitement that greeted his victory was palpable, and it seemed as though Benue State has finally found a leader who would restore hope after years of political and social decline. The opposition offered little in terms of serious challengers and his victory was an evidence of his popularity and the trust that the people had placed in his ability to bring about change. In the aftermath of his victory, the state was filled with a sense of excitement and hope.

One such occasion stands out in my memory, where I met Fr. Alia in a particularly troubled state. Despite his calm exterior, it was clear that he was carrying the weight of an internal storm. It was not easy to tell what had caused his distress, but the situation was such that he appeared to be grappling with something far deeper than mere clerical disputes. It was in moments like these that I saw the human side of Fr. Alia — the side that was not immune to the challenges of leadership and the internal struggles that come with it. Yet, even in the midst of his personal turmoil, Fr. Alia demonstrated an uncanny ability to maintain control over his emotions, which further fuelled my admiration for him as a leader.

In spite of these tensions, it was clear that Fr. Alia’s dedication to his mission was unwavering. His reputation as a spiritual warrior may have been a point of contention with some clergies within the Church, but for the people of Benue State, it was a source of hope and strength. The Catholic faithful saw in him a man who was willing to confront the forces of darkness in both the spiritual and physical realms.

Fr. Alia’s decision to enter into politics was therefore both surprising and compelling. As a man who had spent much of his life in the service of the Church, his move into the political arena raised many questions. Why would a man so dedicated to his faith and spiritual mission suddenly turn to politics? It wasn’t until Fr. Alia began his foray into politics that the full extent of his ambition and resilience became clear.

Initially, my admiration for his political courage was purely academic — it was like a mere acknowledgment of a man stepping out of his spiritual realm into the murky waters of politics. However, as he began to gain popularity among the people of Benue State, particularly after his alignment with various political actors, I began to view him not just as a spiritual warlord, but as a serious political contender.

What began, for me, as mere curiosity about his political ambition, soon grew into a deep admiration for his doggedness. It was clear that Fr. Alia was not coming into politics as a career move or for personal gain. Instead, it seemed clear that he believed he could offer something different from the entrenched political elites who had failed the people of Benue State. His reputation for spiritual authority combined with his emerging political courage made him a figure of hope for many in the state.

Recognising that the survival of his administration and his political relevance depended on having a party structure that aligned with his leadership, he made a decisive move. He insisted on a reset — an overhaul of the party’s leadership in the state. His demand was met with resistance at first, but he was relentless. Then, a shift happened. The weight of his position as governor, combined with strategic alliances and sheer force of will, turned the tide in his favour. One by one, the party structure began to yield. The resistance crumbled, and those who once stood against him found themselves with no choice but to align with his vision. The party chairman, once defiant, was effectively neutralised.

As he began to make incursions into the political landscape, Fr. Alia faced numerous challenges. Legal battles, opposition from political heavyweights, and the general challenges of Nigerian politics were all part of the equation. However, like a man chosen by fate, he overcame each hurdle with perseverance and unwavering faith. His journey to becoming the governor of Benue State was one marked by survival and resilience, in which he faced off against political giants and opposition figures who sought to undermine his candidacy

Fr. Alia’s election as governor of Benue State was, in many ways, an overwhelming victory. The people of Benue were eager for change, and Fr. Alia’s message of hope resonated with them. The failure of the previous government made his candidacy even more appealing, as many viewed him as the antidote to the corruption and inefficiency that had plagued the state. His victory, by a landslide, was a testament to the people’s desire for change.

The excitement that greeted his victory was palpable, and it seemed as though Benue State has finally found a leader who would restore hope after years of political and social decline. The opposition offered little in terms of serious challengers and his victory was an evidence of his popularity and the trust that the people had placed in his ability to bring about change. In the aftermath of his victory, the state was filled with a sense of excitement and hope.

Fr. Alia had proven that he could not only win the hearts of the people but also overcome the many political and legal obstacles that had stood in his way. His election was seen as a new beginning for Benue State — a state that had long been plagued by political instability and poor governance.

Despite his promising start, Fr. Alia’s leadership soon began to generate political drama. One of the first major points of contention was around the emergence of the Speaker of the House of Assembly. Fr. Alia’s firm stance on making sure that his preferred candidate was returned as Speaker, against the wishes of some influential political figures, highlighted his independent approach to governance. It was clear from this early decision that Fr. Alia was not going to be a rubber-stamp governor. His reluctance to bow to political pressures was both a show of strength and of weakness, as it alienated some key political allies. He was determined to make his own decisions and chart his own course.

Also, Fr. Alia’s rise to dominance within the All Progressives Congress (APC) was everything else but smooth. At first, his ascension appeared threatened by the internal wrangling of the party, particularly with the then party chairman, who wielded significant influence and had little allegiance to the governor. The party chairman with the backing of some powerful quarters, emboldened by his control over the party structure, resisted any attempts to realign his leadership to suit the governor’s vision.

For a time, it seemed like Fr. Alia was losing ground. The chairman’s grip on the party was firm, and he flexed his authority with calculated manoeuvres, making it clear that he would not be easily displaced. There were whispers that Fr. Alia, being a priest, might lack the political ruthlessness to bend the party to his will. But no sooner than later, it became clear that Fr. Alia was not one to be outplayed.

One of the most consistent criticisms of Fr. Alia’s leadership has been his perceived aloofness from people generally and the preference he has clearly shown for his own people in key political appointments. His strong ties to his Kunav sub-ethnic group, while understandable, have led to feelings of exclusion among other groups, particularly the Idoma people, who feel underrepresented in his administration. This lack of inclusivity has created a rift in the political landscape, with some key figures in the state expressing frustration at being side-lined. While some people have viewed this as a sign of deliberate empowerment and trust in his own people, others now see it as a dangerous example that could undermine his ability to govern effectively.

Recognising that the survival of his administration and his political relevance depended on having a party structure that aligned with his leadership, he made a decisive move. He insisted on a reset — an overhaul of the party’s leadership in the state. His demand was met with resistance at first, but he was relentless. Then, a shift happened. The weight of his position as governor, combined with strategic alliances and sheer force of will, turned the tide in his favour. One by one, the party structure began to yield. The resistance crumbled, and those who once stood against him found themselves with no choice but to align with his vision. The party chairman, once defiant, was effectively neutralised.

It was in this moment that Fr. Alia demonstrated that he was not just a priest but a political force in his own right. He asserted himself with a firmness that surprised even his critics, showing that while he might wear the robes of a clergyman, he possessed the steel of a seasoned politician. This victory was not won by the gentility of a priest but by the resolve of a leader who understood that power sometimes must be wielded with authority. In the end, the entire APC structure in Benue bowed to his terms, cementing his grip on both governance and party politics. It was a defining moment — one that proved that Fr. Alia could be independent-minded and formidable in the art of political survival.

The political drama continued as Fr. Alia navigated the complexities of governance in Benue State. He faced opposition from within his own party, the APC, and from the key figures of his own tribe — the Catholic Church. The tensions between him and the Catholic Bishops in Benue State are not particularly noticeable, but Fr. Alia seems to have one issue or another to grind with each of the Bishops. This friction that confronted him from within the Church may also have raised questions about his ability to maintain unity and support among key stakeholders.

One of the most consistent criticisms of Fr. Alia’s leadership has been his perceived aloofness from people generally and the preference he has clearly shown for his own people in key political appointments. His strong ties to his Kunav sub-ethnic group, while understandable, have led to feelings of exclusion among other groups, particularly the Idoma people, who feel underrepresented in his administration. This lack of inclusivity has created a rift in the political landscape, with some key figures in the state expressing frustration at being side-lined. While some people have viewed this as a sign of deliberate empowerment and trust in his own people, others now see it as a dangerous example that could undermine his ability to govern effectively.

They have seen a man who is not easily swayed, one who is willing to make difficult decisions even when they were unpopular. He is not the typical politician who thrived on rhetoric; instead, he has led with a quiet resolve that many have found very refreshing. His insistence on restructuring the political system in Benue, his boldness in asserting control over the APC, and his vision for governance — all may have already painted a picture of a leader who is not just interested in holding power but in shaping the future of the state.

Beyond his political struggles, Alia’s relationship with the Catholic Church still remains a point of tension. His disagreements with the Catholic Bishops of Benue State are now known facts, although the full extents of these conflicts are not in the public.

This internal discord within the Church, coupled with his strained relationship with party leaders, may have created factional lines far beyond the APC. Despite these challenges, Alia’s governance has continued, and he has managed to maintain support from a significant portion of the electorate.

His administration has been marked by visible improvements in infrastructure, with road construction and urban renewal projects that demonstrate his commitment to the development of Benue State. These efforts have earned him praise from many citizens who believe that he is working to bring real change to the state.

As I reflect on Fr. Alia’s nearly two years as governor, it is clear that his performance has been far more impactful than many of his predecessors. His infrastructure projects and commitment to the people have already made a noticeable difference.

However, there are questions that remain about his long-term political future. One of such key questions looming over Fr. Alia’s future is whether his current posture will be enough for political acceptance in future elections.

His aloofness from key political figures and his preference for Kunav sub-ethnic group in appointments could present obstacles to his re-election bid. Political success is not solely dependent on performance; it is also about relationships. Recall that at the height of his political rise, there was the chant or slogan of “Yes Father”, which echoed across Benue State. It is a mantra that symbolised both loyalty and the people’s faith in Fr. Alia. It was a rallying cry that swept him into power, a simple yet powerful phrase that embodied the trust that our people had bestowed on him.

But over time, the echoes of “Yes Father” started to fade. The enthusiasm of the campaign days may have given way to the reality of governance, where slogans alone may not be enough to solve deep-seated issues. As expectations gradually meet with the slow and often frustrating pace of government processes, the chorus that once filled the streets became quieter, almost endangered from the lips of the people. Yet, in this silence, I suppose that something else is taking root — something more enduring than verbal slogans. A deeper, quieter admiration for Fr. Alia’s leadership style is most likely beginning to take hold in the hearts of our people.

They have seen a man who is not easily swayed, one who is willing to make difficult decisions even when they were unpopular. He is not the typical politician who thrived on rhetoric; instead, he has led with a quiet resolve that many have found very refreshing. His insistence on restructuring the political system in Benue, his boldness in asserting control over the APC, and his vision for governance — all may have already painted a picture of a leader who is not just interested in holding power but in shaping the future of the state.

As we look to the future, Fr. Alia’s journey is far from over. The questions surrounding his leadership style, his relationships with key stakeholders, and his ability to navigate the political maze will continue to shape his legacy as governor of Benue State. However, regardless of what the future holds, Fr. Alia’s governance style has stood in stark but positive contrast to his predecessors and that will surely be a huge political factor to be discounted by challengers in 2027.

Perhaps the people no longer even need to shout “Yes Father” at every turn. Perhaps their approval may have moved beyond words — settling instead into a firm, silent trust. A trust that, although less vocal, but may eventually prove to be far more powerful.

However, Fr. Alia’s ability to build bridges with other politicians, party members, and stakeholders will be critical to his re-election bid. His current tactics of grandstanding, exclusion and detachment may not bode well for his political future. For Fr. Alia, the times ahead will undoubtedly be filled with challenges. His leadership has already transformed Benue State in many ways, but his political journey is far from over. As he continues to navigate the complex terrain of governance, it remains to be seen whether his political will and personal convictions will carry him through the storm.

Fr. Hyacinth Alia, a man of the cassock and a symbol of courage in the face of adversity, has garnered the admiration of many within Benue State and beyond. His leadership has been marked by both triumphs and challenges, but what is clear is that he has already left an indelible mark on the political landscape of the state.

As we look to the future, Fr. Alia’s journey is far from over. The questions surrounding his leadership style, his relationships with key stakeholders, and his ability to navigate the political maze will continue to shape his legacy as governor of Benue State. However, regardless of what the future holds, Fr. Alia’s governance style has stood in stark but positive contrast to his predecessors and that will surely be a huge political factor to be discounted by challengers in 2027.

Only time will tell whether Fr. Alia will be able to overcome the challenges that lie ahead, but for now, his legacy as a leader is undoubtedly already firmly entrenched in the political history of Benue State.

Ogah, a Finance & Investment Consultant, writes from Abuja.