Former Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, has debunked widespread rumours claiming he had passed away, describing the reports as false, mischievous, and entirely unfounded.
The speculation, which circulated heavily on social media on Friday, prompted swift reactions from close associates, including his former Commissioner for Information, C. Don Adinuba, who dismissed the claims and confirmed that Obiano is alive and in good health.
In a personal statement shared on his Facebook page hours after the rumour spread, Obiano assured the public of his wellbeing.
“My beloved Ndi Anambra, friends, and well-wishers, I woke to hear of a rumour making the rounds about my wellbeing. Let me assure you personally: I am alive, hale, hearty, and in excellent health. By the special grace of God, I am doing very well,” he wrote.
He described the rumour as unfortunate and baseless, adding that some people “find joy in spreading falsehood simply for reasons yet to be established.” Obiano thanked those who reached out with calls, messages, and prayers, urging the public to disregard the misinformation entirely.
Adinuba, in a separate statement titled “Former Governor Willie Obiano is Alive, Healthy, and Kicking,” also clarified that the former governor resides in Texas, United States, not London, as falsely claimed.
“Obiano has never lived in the United Kingdom. He lives in the United States of America. I just spoke with him now. He is not only alive but healthy, strong, and remarkably agile for someone who has just turned 70,” Adinuba said.
He noted that the rumour was capable of causing unnecessary distress to Obiano’s family, associates, and the people of Anambra State. He added that the global concern sparked by the misinformation, including interest from international media like the BBC, reflected the former governor’s impact and the goodwill he continues to enjoy nearly four years after leaving office.
Comparing the situation to a historic instance involving Nigeria’s first president, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Adinuba said: “At only 70 years of age, Chief Obiano has joined the ranks of great men like the Great Zik of Africa, whose rumoured death once turned out to be utterly false.”
Obiano, who served as Anambra governor from 2014 to 2022, succeeded former Governor Peter Obi and has since chosen a quiet life abroad.
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