Three days after DUBAWA verified the viral report that claimed “Elon Musk vows to marry a Nigerian girl as he starts hunting for one” the originating website, Danfonation, has clarified that the story was intended as satire.
The post was widely shared on social media and other blogs attracting a tsunami of attention which led DUBAWA to verify and trace its genealogy.
However, after publication, Debo Popoola, the founder of the Danfo Nation, a satirical web publication, clarified that the story was originally published as a satire but unfortunately picked up by other blogs and shared as a real story.
In an email to DUBAWA, Mr. Debo said Danfo Nation never intended to spread falsehood.
“The Danfo Nation is a humor and satire web publication and all our contents are fiction. We categorically state this at the end of every published content. Unfortunately, some bloggers have been publishing it without the disclaimer, spreading false news. Our intention is not to spread fake news as you (Dubawa) claimed in your fact checking publication.”
Further appreciating the work DUBAWA is doing to combat fake news and information disorder, Mr. Debo stated that the original content was a satire and not was no meant to mislead or spread false information. He added that all their contents contains a disclaimer which clearly states that “The Danfo Nation is a humor and satire web publication, which may or may not use real names, often in semi-real or mostly fictitious ways. All news articles contained within The Danfo Nation are fiction, and presumably parody news. Any resemblance to the truth is purely coincidental. Advice given is NOT to be construed as professional. If you are in need of professional help, please consult a professional. The Danfo Nation is not intended for children under the age of 18.”
