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