A video of a man in a heated argument with a woman is circulating on social media in Nigeria. Users claim it shows Ondo state governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa fighting with his “mistress” in London, United Kingdom.
A 12 October 2024 post reads, in part: “What a disgrace to Nigerians and her politicians, can you believe this is the Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa the APC Ondo state governor having a battle with a side chic in London.”
The post includes a photo of Aiyedatiwa and a video. The video also shows other people seemingly trying to break up the fight.
The claim comes a few weeks before the Ondo state governorship election, scheduled for 16 November. Aiyedatiwa is the candidate of the All Progressives Congress party.
The same claim and video can be found here, here and here.
But does the video show Aiyedatiwa fighting with a woman in London? We checked.
‘Fake news’
While the resemblance between the two men is undeniable, there are some facial features that set them apart.
Aiyedatiwa’s beard covers more of his chin, while the beard of the man in the video is thinner.
The governor has changed his beard style slightly, as seen in this video from early October when he was campaigning for the election.
Another difference is that Aiyedatiwa’s nose is wider. The man’s nose appears to be sharper.
Additionally, the man is gap-toothed while the governor is not.
In a statement, Aiyedatiwa’s media aide Allen Sowore said the video was “blackmail and false news to tarnish the governor’s image”.
“For the benefit of the unsuspecting public who may be swayed by the video at first glance, it is crucial to clarify that the man in the video is not the Governor of Ondo State. A closer examination of the video reveals several striking differences,” part of the statement reads.
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