By Chimezie Godfrey
The Media Team of the Sultan of Sokoto has dismissed as false and misleading a viral social media post alleging that Governor Hyacinth Alia was seen worshipping the Sultan, describing the image as fake and likely generated using artificial intelligence.
In a press statement issued on Monday, signed by Prince Bashir Adefaka for the Media Team of the Sultan of Sokoto, the team said it had been alerted to the circulation of the content across WhatsApp groups and other platforms, warning that it was designed to stir religious and ethnic tension amid the ongoing security challenges in Benue State.
“The Media Team of the Sultan of Sokoto has been alerted to a misleading post circulating across WhatsApp groups and other social media platforms, titled ‘Leaked photo of Governor Hyacinth Alia worshipping the Sultan of Sokoto.’ The content attempts to introduce a divisive religious and ethnic narrative into the ongoing security challenges in Benue State,” the statement read.
The team categorically described the image as fabricated and intended to misinform the public.
“We wish to categorically state that the image in question is fake, likely AI-generated, and deliberately crafted to misinform the public. It is also a mischievous and dangerous attempt to associate the revered leadership of Muslims in Nigeria, particularly the Sultan of Sokoto, with issues unrelated to his office or person.”
According to the statement, the accompanying narrative falsely alleged religious bias and sought to inflame tensions by linking the Sultan to the Benue crisis.“The accompanying commentary falsely alleges religious bias and attempts to inflame tensions by linking the Sultan to the crisis in Benue State. Such claims are not only baseless but also constitute a serious threat to national unity and security. These actions reflect a pattern of disinformation designed to incite division and undermine peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.”
Highlighting the Sultan’s longstanding role in promoting peace and interfaith harmony, the media team condemned the spread of such content.
“As custodians of the image and public communication of the Sultan of Sokoto — who also serves as President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Chairman National Traditional Rulers Council of Nigeria, Co-Chairman of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council and Co-President of the World Religions for Peace New York — we condemn these acts in the strongest terms. For nearly two decades, the Sultan has consistently promoted peace, interfaith harmony, and national cohesion. Efforts to tarnish this legacy through fabricated content must be rejected by all well-meaning Nigerians,” the team stated.
The team further expressed concern over recurring disinformation campaigns on social media, noting their potential to worsen existing tensions.“We also note with concern that similar false narratives have been propagated over time by identifiable individuals on social media. Such activities risk exacerbating existing tensions and destabilizing the fragile security environment in parts of the country.”
Reaffirming its position, the statement stressed that the Sultan was not depicted in the circulated image and clarified Islamic teachings on worship.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Sultan of Sokoto does not appear in the manner depicted in the circulated image whatsoever. Furthermore, Islamic teachings clearly establish that prostration is an act of worship reserved solely for Almighty Allah, making the claims in the post not only false but fundamentally inconsistent with the Sultan’s faith and principles,” the statement stressed.
The media team called on authorities to take action against those behind the spread of false information.
It also urged religious and community leaders to encourage responsible communication among their followers.
“We call on the Federal Government and relevant security agencies to take decisive action against the spread of disinformation and those responsible for inciting division through such harmful content, some of whom we shall start profiling for actions any time soon.
“We also urge religious and community leaders across all faiths to promote responsible communication among their followers, particularly on social media platforms. Safeguarding Nigeria’s unity and stability is a shared responsibility that transcends religious and ethnic boundaries,”the group stated.
The statement reaffirmed its commitment to peace and national cohesion.
“The Media Team remains committed to supporting initiatives that foster peace, mutual respect, and national unity,” the statement stressed.
Sultan’s Media Team Debunks ‘Fake’ Image Linking Him to Benue Crisis, Warns Against Dangerous Disinformation
