By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Nigerian comedian and filmmaker, Ayodeji Richard Makun, popularly known as Comedian AY, has strongly condemned the circulation of AI-generated images depicting him kissing May Edochie, the estranged wife of Nollywood actor Yul Edochie.
The manipulated photos and videos, which surfaced online, falsely show AY and May sharing an intimate moment on a flight to London. Reacting to the controversy in a lengthy Instagram post on Tuesday night, AY criticized the misuse of artificial intelligence for spreading false narratives and urged content creators to channel their talents toward more constructive endeavors.
AY’s Call for Responsible Innovation
Expressing frustration over the situation, AY emphasized the dangers of fabricating stories to tarnish people’s reputations. He highlighted the case of reality TV star Alex Unusual, who had previously faced similar allegations about a romantic relationship with him. He questioned whether people were deliberately attempting to drive away those who work with him.
In his post, AY wrote:
Nigeria is full of potential, and your unique skills—whether in art, music, technology, or entrepreneurship—can drive positive change. Instead of using creativity to attack hardworking individuals, let’s focus on uplifting one another.”
Condemning False Narratives and Cyberbullying
AY warned about the negative impact of false narratives, stressing that social media users must recognize the consequences of their actions.
“At what point will we realize that unity and collaboration yield better results than division? The other time, it was the poor @alex_unusual who is yet to recover from the false narratives about her. Must you all chase away everyone working with me or trying to earn an honest living through me?”
He further urged Nigerians to support one another’s growth, rather than engaging in damaging and misleading content creation.
A Call for Ethical Use of Technology
Concluding his post, AY appealed to young creatives to use their talents ethically and productively, rather than engaging in cyberbullying or defamation.
“Remember, your talents can be a force for good. Let’s use them to build bridges.”
The Bigger Picture: Misinformation and AI Manipulation
AY’s reaction highlights growing concerns about AI-generated misinformation, especially in the entertainment industry. The rise of deepfake technology has made it easier to create convincing yet false images and videos, leading to potential damage to reputations and careers. His statement calls for responsible digital innovation and ethical use of technology in Nigeria and beyond.
As the controversy unfolds, AY’s firm stance serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying information before sharing, as well as the need for stricter measures against AI-fueled misinformation.