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Fake Image of Governor Alia Bowing to Sultan Sparks Controversy, Palace Reacts
Fake Image of Governor Alia Bowing to Sultan Sparks Controversy, Palace Reacts
The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, has dismissed a viral image circulating on social media that allegedly shows the Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, bowing before him in an act described by some users as “worship.”
The image, which spread rapidly across WhatsApp, Facebook, and other platforms, triggered widespread reactions online, with some users linking it to religious undertones and ongoing security tensions in Benue State. The post was widely shared with claims suggesting that the governor was seen in a submissive or worshipful posture during a visit to the Sultan.
However, the Sultan firmly rejected the claims, describing the image as false, misleading, and part of a coordinated attempt to spread disinformation capable of inciting religious and ethnic tension in Nigeria.
In a statement issued by his media team and signed by Prince Bashir Adefaka, the Sultan’s office clarified that the viral content titled “leaked photo of Governor Hyacinth Alia worshipping the Sultan of Sokoto” was fabricated and designed to mislead the public.
The statement stressed that the content was likely AI-generated or digitally manipulated, warning that such material is increasingly being used to distort public perception and create division.
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According to the Sultan’s media team, the viral narrative was not only false but also deliberately structured to drag the monarch into political and security issues unrelated to his office.
The statement further explained that the accompanying commentary falsely accused the Sultan of religious bias, warning that such narratives could worsen tensions in already sensitive regions.
It added that the circulation of such content reflects a growing trend of online misinformation and disinformation campaigns aimed at destabilising national unity by exploiting religious and ethnic sentiments.
The Sultan’s office also emphasized that the monarch has consistently promoted peace, unity, and interfaith dialogue in Nigeria, noting his roles in various national and international religious and traditional leadership councils.
It urged Nigerians to disregard the viral post and avoid sharing unverified content capable of causing panic or division, especially in sensitive periods of insecurity.
“As custodians of the image and public communication of the Sultan of Sokoto… we condemn these acts in the strongest terms,” the statement said, calling for responsible use of social media.
The statement also appealed to Nigerians to verify information before sharing, warning that the spread of fake images and manipulated content poses a serious threat to national unity, religious harmony, and public peace.
Fake Image of Governor Alia Bowing to Sultan Sparks Controversy, Palace Reacts
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Ataoja Mourns Death of Baba Oba, Calls It Monumental Loss
Ataoja Mourns Death of Baba Oba, Calls It Monumental Loss
The Ataoja of Osogbo Land, Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Laro-Oye II, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Baba Oba and Head of the Osogbo Elders Council, describing his passing as a monumental loss to the cultural and traditional fabric of the community.
In an official condolence message issued through the palace media unit, the monarch extended heartfelt sympathies to the immediate family of the deceased, friends, associates, members of the traditional institution, and the entire people of Osogbo.
Oba Laro-Oye II noted that the late Baba Oba lived a life defined by honour, wisdom, peace, and unwavering dedication to the unity and progress of Osogbo land. He described the deceased elder statesman as a towering figure in traditional governance whose influence extended beyond his immediate family and council duties.
According to the Ataoja, Baba Oba was not only a respected father figure to many but also a custodian of indigenous knowledge and a pillar of guidance whose counsel played a vital role in fostering harmony and stability within the Osogbo traditional system.
“He was a man of exceptional wisdom whose contributions to the growth, unity, and preservation of our cultural heritage will remain indelible in our hearts,” the monarch stated.
The Ataoja prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed, asking Almighty God to grant him eternal rest and to comfort his family, the traditional council, and the people of Osogbo during this difficult period.
He further urged sons and daughters of Osogbo, both at home and in the diaspora, to uphold the values of unity, peace, respect for tradition, and communal harmony which the late Baba Oba consistently embodied throughout his lifetime.
The palace described the loss as one that has created a significant vacuum within the Osogbo traditional leadership structure, adding that the legacy of the late elder statesman would continue to inspire future generations.
Signed,
Media Unit
Palace of Ataoja of Osogbo Land
Ataoja Mourns Death of Baba Oba, Calls It Monumental Loss
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“He Was My Father in Politics” — Osun SSG Igbalaye Mourns Late Prince Adeleke Òdùọlá
“He Was My Father in Politics” — Osun SSG Igbalaye Mourns Late Prince Adeleke Òdùọlá
Osogbo, Osun State — The Secretary to the Osun State Government, Bobagunwa Teslim Igbalaye, has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late elder statesman, royal prince, and political icon, Prince Adeleke Òdùọlá, who died on Monday, May 11, 2026, at the age of 93.
In a condolence message issued in Osogbo, Osogbo, Igbalaye described the deceased as “a father figure, a political institution, and one of the last true custodians of Osogbo’s rich political heritage.”
He said Prince Òdùọlá was more than a mentor to him, noting that their relationship spanned over two decades of political tutelage and personal guidance.
“Over twenty years ago, my father handed me over to Baba Adeleke Òdùọlá as a young man eager to learn the ropes of politics and public service. From that moment, I came under his fatherly tutelage… Baba was more than a mentor; he was a father, a teacher, and a moral compass,” Igbalaye said.
The SSG praised the late prince as a towering figure in Osogbo’s socio-political evolution and a vital link to the town’s historic political consciousness.
Prince Òdùọlá, a respected member of the Lájọmọ Ruling House, also served as Mogaji of the family, where he was widely regarded as a custodian of tradition, culture, and communal harmony.
He was also a prominent figure in the famed Òròkí Social Club of Osogbo, established in 1963, where he served as treasurer and contributed to shaping early political thought in the town.
Describing him as “a man of multiple frontiers,” Igbalaye highlighted his roles as a successful trader, devout Muslim, disciplined family man, and political strategist whose life inspired many across generations.
“Baba lived a life of purpose and impact. He believed strongly in education, moral discipline, diligence, compassion, and community service,” he added.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased in Aljanah Firdaus and urged the family to take solace in his enduring legacy.
Condolences were also extended to the Ataoja of Osogboland, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Larooye II, the Lájọmọ Royal Family, members of the Òròkí Social Club, and the children and grandchildren of the deceased.
The statement was signed by Kehinde Adeoye, Special Assistant on Media and Digital Communication to the Secretary to the Osun State Government.
“He Was My Father in Politics” — Osun SSG Igbalaye Mourns Late Prince Adeleke Òdùọlá
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VIDEO: Catholic Priest, Tansian University Lecturer Allegedly Caught With Student in Classroom
VIDEO: Catholic Priest, Tansian University Lecturer Allegedly Caught With Student in Classroom
There was commotion at Tansian University on Tuesday following reports that a Catholic priest who lectures at the institution was allegedly caught in a compromising situation with a female student inside a classroom.
According to videos and eyewitness accounts circulating on social media, the incident reportedly occurred within one of the lecture halls at the university’s Oba campus in Anambra State.
The lecturer, said to be a Reverend Father attached to the institution, was allegedly discovered with the student after some individuals reportedly noticed suspicious activity around the classroom.
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Videos shared online showed a crowd gathering around the scene as students and other individuals reacted to the development. However, the authenticity of all circulating clips and claims could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.
The university management has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident, while details surrounding the identities of those involved remain unclear.
The development has triggered widespread reactions on social media, with many users expressing shock over the allegation, while others urged caution against spreading unverified information online.
Some commentators also warned against sharing explicit or private footage connected to the incident, especially as investigations or internal disciplinary processes may still be ongoing.
As of press time, there was no confirmation from the university authorities, the Catholic Church, or security agencies regarding possible disciplinary or legal action connected to the matter.
Tansian University Oba, allegedly a Rev Fr who is a lecturer at the university caught making out with a female student inside a classroom.
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VIDEO: Catholic Priest, Tansian University Lecturer Allegedly Caught With Student in Classroom
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