“That’s Not Father Alia!” – Aide Schools Omokri After Presidential Mix-Up
In what social media now calls “The Great Governorship Gaffe,” popular political commentator and former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has found himself in the middle of a digital geography class – with a front-row seat and no escape.
Omokri took to Facebook in high spirits, applauding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for visiting Benue State and posing “with the Governor, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia.” Praising the duo as a “solutions-driven team,” Omokri ended his post with a benediction: “May God help President Tinubu and Governor Alia restore peace to Benue.”
However, God – and Google – were not on Reno’s side this time.
Within hours, the Chief Press Secretary to Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, swooped in with a fact-check strong enough to cause a political tremor.
“Dear Reno Omokri,” he wrote, diplomatically but firmly, “that is Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, not Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia of Benue.”
Cue the awkward silence.
Screenshots flew, memes multiplied, and Facebook was lit with reactions ranging from laughter to lectures on facial recognition.
“So Benue now shares borders with the Atlantic Ocean?” quipped one user.
“Na Ondo pastor you call Benue priest,” joked another, accompanied by a photoshopped map that renamed Nigeria’s middle belt as “Mid-West Confusion Zone.”
The visit in question was actually a high-profile reception for President Tinubu, attended by multiple governors — including Aiyedatiwa, not Alia. While the event aimed to promote unity, it inadvertently revealed how even the best political minds can get a little, well… geopolitically disoriented.
In response, Reno Omokri has yet to issue a correction or apology. But insiders say he’s likely updating his Google Maps settings and brushing up on the difference between cassock and kaftan.
As for Governor Aiyedatiwa, he’s now trending as “The Man Mistaken for a Reverend,” while Governor Alia remains peacefully in Benue, hopefully amused, not confused.
Moral of the story?
In Nigerian politics, always double-check your governors. And if in doubt — ask their Chief Press Secretary.
