Sultan Rejects Claims of Gov. Hyacinth Alia ‘Worshipping’ Him, Warns Against Disinformation

The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, has dismissed claims linking him to the ongoing crisis in Benue State, describing a viral image circulating online as false and misleading.

The image, which has been widely shared on social media, appears to show the Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, in a posture suggesting worship before the Sultan.
In a statement issued by his media team and signed by Prince Bashir Adefaka, the monarch described the image as a fabricated attempt aimed at stirring religious and ethnic tensions.
Titled ‘Re: False and misleading claims circulating on social media,’ the statement noted that the content was deliberately designed to introduce a divisive narrative into the security challenges in Benue State.
According to the statement, the Sultan has consistently championed peace, interfaith harmony, and national unity, stressing that attempts to damage his reputation through false content should be rejected.
“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 statement said.
It further explained that the image is fake, likely generated using artificial intelligence, and deliberately created to mislead the public. The team described it as a dangerous effort to wrongly associate the Sultan with issues unrelated to his office.
The statement also rejected claims suggesting religious bias, warning that such narratives could inflame tensions and threaten national unity and security.
It added that such misinformation reflects a broader pattern of disinformation intended to create division and undermine peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.
The media team strongly condemned the act, emphasizing the Sultan’s longstanding role in promoting unity as President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Chairman of the National Traditional Rulers Council of Nigeria, Co-Chairman of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council, and Co-President of World Religions for Peace.
It also expressed concern over repeated attempts by certain individuals to spread false narratives online, noting that such actions could worsen existing security challenges in parts of the country.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Sultan of Sokoto does not appear in the manner depicted in the circulated image whatsoever,” the statement clarified, adding that Islamic teachings strictly reserve prostration as an act of worship for Almighty Allah alone.
The statement called on the Federal Government and security agencies to take decisive action against those spreading disinformation, warning that some individuals responsible would soon be identified.
It also urged religious and community leaders to encourage responsible communication among their followers, especially on social media.
The Sultan’s media team concluded by stressing that safeguarding Nigeria’s unity and stability remains a shared responsibility beyond religious and ethnic differences.