Pastor Oyemade Raises Alarm Over AI-generated Fake Endorsement Video

Founder of The Covenant Nation, Pastor Poju Oyemade, has warned the public about a fake video created using artificial intelligence (AI) that falsely portrayed him endorsing a product.

In a post shared on his verified Instagram account, the cleric revealed that an “AI version” of himself had been used to promote a programme on Facebook.

He urged his followers to disregard the video, describing it as a fraudulent attempt to exploit his image and reputation.

“I have been informed that an AI version of myself has been created with me endorsing some programme. This is to inform the public that I have nothing to do with this product,” Oyemade wrote.

The post was accompanied by a screenshot of the manipulated video, boldly marked with a red “X”, signifying it was fake.

Oyemade’s experience mirrors a growing global concern over the misuse of AI and deepfake technology to create realistic but fraudulent videos, images, and voice recordings.

The emergence of such scams poses serious risks to public trust, as cloned voices and doctored visuals are increasingly being used to deceive unsuspecting audiences.

Earlier this year, Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) warned that scammers have begun using AI-generated celebrity endorsements to promote fake investment platforms.

The regulator advised Nigerians to verify the authenticity of any promotional material featuring public figures before taking financial action.

A 2024 report by Norton Cyber Safety revealed that AI-generated “deepfakes” can be created using as little as three seconds of recorded audio or video, enabling scammers to convincingly impersonate victims. The report warned that such technology is becoming increasingly accessible, raising new concerns about identity theft and online fraud.

Pastor Oyemade joins a growing list of public figures who have publicly disowned AI-manipulated content. Earlier this year, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo issued a disclaimer after a video was circulated that appeared to show him promoting an unrelated product.

The rise of such cases has sparked calls for tighter regulation of AI use and stronger public awareness of digital fraud.

Experts have urged individuals to remain cautious, verify online content, and avoid clicking on suspicious links, regardless of how convincing they may seem.