The answer is maybe. It depends on whether the photos have required reference points to make the determination. If the required points exist on the photograph, yes.

Verticality (plumb) is established as the line between the zenith (point overhead) and the nadir (centre of the planet). Any eccentricity from that is considered "tilted."

The horizon is perpendicular to this imaginary line which can be established as the line joining the vanishing points (where receding parallel lines viewed in perspective appear to converge.) Any eccentricity from a line perpendicular to the horizon (level) is considered "tilted."

Any photograph used to define perpendicularity must have at least one dependable reference line (plumb and/or level) to use for linear construction and comparison.

You will need at least two of these photographic images taken from different orthogonal positions (90° with respect to the tower) to answer your question definitively. Additionally, it is handy for the camera axis to be "true." That is to be dead level with the subject centred horizontally and vertically in the viewfinder since, in effect, you are using the camera as a surveying (disambiguation) instrument.

Quite apart from the photographic evidence that may or may not exist, I'd tend to believe the popular claim. Any equipped and motivated land surveyor with a couple of hours off could provide the answer to a fraction of a degree.