Lege Miami Claims Viral Tinubu Fall Footage is AI-Generated
Popular Nigerian actor and social media personality Lege Miami has stirred controversy by declaring that the widely circulated video showing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stumbling during a state visit to Turkey is fake and artificially generated. The entertainer, whose real name is Adams Kehinde, made these assertions in response to footage that went viral on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, depicting the Nigerian president briefly losing his footing at a ceremonial parade.
Incident Details and Immediate Reactions
The incident occurred as President Tinubu participated in a guard of honour reception organized by Turkish authorities. Video clips showed the president stumbling on what appeared to be a poorly laid blue carpet before being promptly assisted by security personnel. Within hours, the footage spread across various social media platforms, prompting diverse reactions from Nigerian netizens.
Lege Miami took to social media to vehemently deny the authenticity of the video, stating emphatically: "Mr President didn’t fall. The video circulating is AI-generated. It was the opposition party that created that video because of the upcoming election. It is their pattern." He further promised to share alternative footage showing President Tinubu walking normally alongside the Turkish president to counter what he described as deliberate misinformation.
Official Response from the Presidency
Meanwhile, presidential officials addressed the incident separately, offering a different explanation. They confirmed that President Tinubu had experienced a minor stumble but attributed it specifically to uneven carpeting at the venue. Officials emphasized that the president remains in good health and that the momentary distraction did not affect his scheduled engagements in Turkey.
"The president is hale and hearty with no health concerns," stated a presidency representative. "He has resumed his duties and continued with all planned activities without interruption."
Social Media Divided Over Claims
The entertainment personality's comments sparked heated debates across social media platforms, with users expressing polarized viewpoints:
- @prinxe_B commented: "Whether it's real or AI, a stumble doesn't define a leader. Even your strongest have their moments. Let's focus on governance rather than amplifying human incidents."
- @TENIBEGILOJU202 reacted critically: "That is why I blocked this clown on TikTok. His type of illiteracy surpasses even Portable's. Ask him the full meaning of AI and watch him struggle."
- @Martolexx defended the president: "I don't know why Nigerians keep wishing our dear president bad. We must protect our leader as patriotic citizens regardless of minor incidents."
- @th72781 expressed broader concerns: "Where I draw the line is these poor citizens who haven't eaten yet still support this government. We shall see what happens in 2027."
- @DaSTReet5 questioned the focus: "Why is this guy kicking up such a fuss? Whether he crashes or not, does it magically fill our plates with food?"
Broader Context and Previous Commentary
This is not the first time Lege Miami has weighed in on national matters. Previously, the entertainer commented on tensions between Super Eagles stars Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman during Nigeria's AFCON campaign, urging unity within the national team. His consistent engagement with both entertainment and socio-political topics has established him as a controversial commentator in Nigerian digital spaces.
The incident highlights growing concerns about digital misinformation and the potential use of artificial intelligence to create convincing fake content, particularly in politically charged environments. As Nigeria approaches another election cycle, such controversies are likely to intensify, with various actors leveraging technology to shape public perception.
Ultimately, the viral video episode reveals deeper tensions within Nigerian society regarding political leadership, media credibility, and the evolving role of celebrities in public discourse. While the presidency has provided a straightforward explanation, Lege Miami's allegations have added layers of complexity to what might otherwise have been a minor diplomatic incident.
