Verdict: The viral image claiming Obasanjo prostrated for Ladoja was digitally manipulated to support a false narrative.
A photo circulating widely on Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp claiming former President Olusegun Obasanjo prostrated before Rashidi Ladoja, the Olubadan-in-waiting and ex-governor of Oyo State, has been confirmed as digitally altered.
The image went viral amid narratives that Obasanjo had paid homage to Ladoja in Ibadan, with captions like:
“What a lesson in life! Former President Obasanjo by his power impeached Pa Ladoja then. Today former governor is the next king of Ibadan, now he paid him home visit and prostrate before the then governor that he impeached. Lesson. Power doesn’t last for long. No one knows future.”
Verification reveals the image was photoshopped. A close look shows Ladoja’s head imposed on another figure, with mismatched neck features and a misaligned necklace. The face of the prostrating figure is blurry and does not resemble Obasanjo.
CableCheck also traced the Ladoja image to a September 24, 2024 Facebook post by Governor Seyi Makinde celebrating Ladoja’s 80th birthday.
Verdict: The viral image claiming Obasanjo prostrated for Ladoja was digitally manipulated to support a false narrative.