Controversy Erupts As Sultan Reacts To Gov Alia ‘Worship’ Image

The reaction followed a viral image on social media showing Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia in what appeared to be a posture of worship before the Sultan.

In a statement issued by his media team and signed by Prince Bashir Adefaka, the monarch said the image was fabricated and intended to stir religious and ethnic tensions.

Titled “Re: False and misleading claims circulating on social media,” the statement noted that the content was designed to create a divisive narrative around the security challenges in Benue State.

The Sultan’s team emphasised that the image was fake, likely generated using artificial intelligence, and deliberately circulated to mislead the public and associate the revered traditional ruler with issues unrelated to his office.

It added that the accompanying claims of religious bias were baseless and posed a threat to national unity by attempting to inflame tensions.

According to the statement, such actions reflect a pattern of disinformation aimed at causing division and undermining peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.

The media team stressed that the Sultan, who also serves in several national and international interfaith roles, has consistently advocated peace, religious harmony, and unity over the years, and should not be dragged into controversy through fabricated content.

It also clarified that the Sultan never appeared in the manner depicted, noting that in Islam, prostration is strictly an act of worship reserved for Almighty Allah, making the claims not only false but also inconsistent with Islamic teachings.

The statement called on the Federal Government and security agencies to take action against those responsible for spreading such misinformation, warning that such narratives could worsen existing tensions.

It further urged religious and community leaders to promote responsible communication, especially on social media, stressing that protecting Nigeria’s unity requires collective effort beyond religious or ethnic divides.