The media Team of the Sultan of Sokoto has dismissed a viral video allegedly showing protesters at the monarch’s palace, describing the footage as old and misleading.
On Sunday, a video showing protesters in large numbers allegedly gathered at the sultan’s palace to inform him of the growing hunger in the country.
A voice in Hausa language, said the protesters were appealing for military intervention and a handover to the military.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the palace said the video being circulated on social media was recorded in 2024 during nationwide protests over rising food prices and economic hardship, adding that it was now being shared out of context to create tension.
The statement, signed by Aminu Gidadawa on behalf of the media team, said the circulation of the video was likely aimed at creating a false impression about the relationship between Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, and the people of the caliphate.
“The public is hereby advised to disregard the misleading narrative being attached to the video. There is no crisis, disagreement, or unrest involving the Sultan and his subjects,” the statement reads.
The palace said attempts to politicise the Sultanate institution through the recirculation of outdated content should be condemned.
According to the statement, the Sultan has consistently expressed concern over the economic hardship facing Nigerians and has continued to advocate policies aimed at improving citizens’ welfare.
The media team also stated that there was no protest or security concern around the palace, stressing that the environment remained peaceful.
“There is peace at the Sultan’s Palace. The palace and its surrounding areas remain calm and peaceful. There are currently no protests, disturbances, or security concerns in or around the palace,” the statement added.
The palace urged Nigerians to verify information before sharing it online, warning that the deliberate resurfacing of old videos to suggest ongoing unrest could undermine peace and national development.
