High Chief Kestin Ebimorbowei Pondi has petitioned Meta, the parent company of Facebook, over an alleged unauthorised Facebook page using his name, photographs and identity to promote a purported 2031 governorship campaign in Delta State.
Pondi, who owns the verified Facebook page, “Kestin Pondi,” described the page, “Chief KestinPondi Fan Page,” as unauthorised and operated without his knowledge, consent or approval.
In a formal complaint to Facebook/Meta Support, Pondi said he had never authorised the administrators of the disputed page to use his name, photographs, image, identity or personal brand.
He expressed particular concern over political materials being published on the page which portray him as a candidate for governor of Delta State in the 2031 election.
Among the messages attributed to the page is: “HIGH CHIEF KESTIN PONDI FOR GOVERNOR – DELTA STATE – 2031 – THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE.”
Pondi, however, categorically denied authorising, launching, endorsing or declaring any governorship campaign or political ambition for the 2031 election.
According to him, the publication could mislead members of the public into believing that the purported campaign was being conducted by him or with his approval.
He said the alleged misuse of his identity was particularly disturbing because the disputed page was using his photograph and name to disseminate political messages capable of influencing public perception and opinion on his behalf.
Pondi urged Meta to urgently investigate the page and determine the identities of the individuals responsible for creating and administering it.
He also requested the social media company to take down the page for what he described as unauthorised impersonation and representation, as well as remove the political campaign materials allegedly published in his name.
The businessman and community leader further asked Meta to take appropriate measures to prevent the continued unauthorised use of his name, photographs, identity and public image.
He also urged the company to recognise his verified “Kestin Pondi” page as his legitimate Facebook presence.
Pondi said he was ready to provide proof of identity, evidence establishing ownership of his verified Facebook page and other documentation that may be required by Meta to facilitate its investigation.
He appealed for urgent intervention, warning that the continued operation of the disputed page and its political publications could create significant public misunderstanding and cause reputational damage.
The petition comes amid growing reliance on social media platforms for political communication and public mobilisation, raising concerns over the unauthorised use of the identities of public figures and prospective political actors.
Pondi’s complaint, if acted upon by Meta, could result in the removal of the disputed page and the restriction of accounts found to have violated the platform’s rules on impersonation and unauthorised representation.
