How Misinformation Spread About the Olubadan’s Demise

REPORTS OF THE DEATH of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, surfaced on Monday night, spreading rapidly across media platforms. However, the Oyo State Government and palace officials swiftly debunked the claims, affirming that the revered monarch remains alive and in good health.

The Explainer gathered that the Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Wasiu Olatunbosun, refuted the rumours, stating, “Yes, Olubadan is alive, hale, and hearty. I spoke with one of his sons, Prince Olaseke Owolabi Olakulehin, who represented the family at the coronation committee.”

Similarly, the Chief Press Secretary to the Olubadan, Gbenga Ayoade, confirmed that there was no crisis at the palace when he left around 8 p.m. and that subsequent checks reaffirmed that the monarch was fine.

“The Olubadan just finished eating amala. He is hale and healthy. It is just a rumour. There is nothing of such,” he stated.

He also debunked claims that the monarch had been flown out of Ibadan for medical treatment, clarifying, “Baba is still in Ibadan. He was not flown anywhere. He is doing very fine.”

The spread of false reports about Olubadan’s demise highlights the dangers of misinformation in the digital age. With the rise of social media and instant news sharing, unverified reports often travel faster than official clarifications, causing panic and confusion.

The Explainer gathered that misinformation about prominent figures is not new in Nigeria. Several past and present leaders, including traditional rulers and politicians, have been victims of premature death announcements.

In December 2020, media outlets reported the death of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli. However, the Warri Kingdom debunked these claims, stating that the monarch was alive but indisposed and receiving medical attention.

Similarly, the Royal Palace of the Olu of Warri issued a disclaimer denying the death claims, emphasizing that the monarch was under medical care.

In November 2024, rumors circulated on social media about the death of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. These claims were debunked by Africa Check, which found no credible news reports confirming his death.

Reacting to these rumors, Obasanjo expressed shock and disappointment, labeling the false reports as deeply upsetting. He emphasized that he was alive and well.

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Obasanjo further criticized those spreading the false news, stating, “Those who want me dead won’t escape tragedy themselves.”

A report by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies highlighted that African media consumers are regularly exposed to “fake news,” with almost half encountering completely fabricated stories daily.

Additionally, more than a third of users surveyed from Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa admitted to periodically sharing false stories.

Furthermore, FactCheckHub documented numerous instances in 2024 where Nigerian public figures were targeted with misinformation, underscoring the widespread nature of misleading information in the country.

The rapid spread of the false Olubadan report suggests that media platforms may not have followed proper fact-checking protocols before publishing the news.

According to a 2022 Reuters Institute report on digital news consumption, 54% of Nigerians worry about distinguishing fact from fake news. This raises questions about the responsibility of journalists and media houses in verifying sensitive claims before publication.

In Nigeria, where traditional institutions hold significant cultural and political weight, unverified reports about the health or death of a monarch can cause panic and unnecessary tension. The Olubadan stool, for instance, is central to the Ibadan traditional system, and false information regarding its leadership can disrupt public confidence in the institution.

The Explainer gathered that Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who was born on 5 July 1935, ascended the throne as the 43rd Olubadan on 12 July 2024, following the passing of the 42nd Olubadan, Oba Moshood Olalekan Balogun, who died at the age of 81 on 14 March 2024. Given the structured and hierarchical nature of Ibadan’s kingship succession, any false claims about the ruler’s demise could lead to unnecessary speculation about the next ascension process.

Regulatory bodies such as the Nigerian Press Council (NPC) and the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) have repeatedly called for stricter guidelines on news verification.

Despite these efforts, the challenge persists, particularly due to the growing influence of social media platforms, where misinformation spreads rapidly without editorial oversight.