FORMER Anambra State governor, Chief Willie Obiano, is alive and in good health, despite widespread rumours on social media claiming he had died in London.
News Point Nigeria reports that the speculation, which spread rapidly across various online platforms on Friday, has been firmly debunked by his former aide and Commissioner for Information, Mr. C-Don Adinuba.
In a telephone conversation with our correspondent, Adinuba described the viral reports as “provocative, unfounded, and completely false.”
He said he had personally spoken with Obiano and members of his family only minutes before the call, confirming that the former governor is “hale and hearty” in Houston, Texas, where he currently resides.
Adinuba condemned those spreading what he called “dangerous misinformation,” noting that Obiano has neither travelled to London nor been hospitalised, contrary to the circulating claims.
“I have been asked some probing questions by journalists and have heard a provocative rumour about the death of former Governor Willie Obiano. The rumour is not true,” he stated.
“I just spoke with the former governor and members of his family a few minutes ago. He is hale and hearty in Houston, United States, where he resides. Contrary to the reports, Obiano is not in London and has not been hospitalised.
“He is strong, hale, and hearty, and bouncing in the US. Ignore the rumour, it is not from a credible source. Please, the report is fake; Obiano is still alive.”
He urged the public to disregard the claims and stop sharing false information that may cause panic or distress.
Obiano’s personal publicist, Mr. Tony Nezianya, also told our correspondent that he had no information confirming or supporting the rumour.
“I can’t confirm this; I am not aware of such news,” he simply stated.
Chief Willie Obiano served as Governor of Anambra State from 2014 to 2022, succeeding Mr. Peter Obi and handing over to the current governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, in March 2022. Born on August 8, 1955, Obiano hails from Aguleri in Anambra East Local Government Area and has remained a prominent figure in Anambra politics.
Since leaving office, he has been under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of misappropriating N4 billion during his tenure. He currently resides in the United States.