Traditional Ruler Personally Confirms Obiano's Well-being
The traditional ruler of Aguleri ancient kingdom in Anambra East local government area, His Royal Highness, Igwe Michael Idigo, has strongly dismissed rumours about the death of former Anambra State governor, Chief Willie Obiano, describing the reports as completely false.
Social Media Sparks Panic Over False Reports
On Friday, November 14, 2025, social media platforms were flooded with unverified reports claiming the sudden demise of the former governor. Various accounts suggested different causes of death, including cardiac arrest and prostate-related ailments during a supposed hospital stay in London. These rumours created significant concern throughout Nigeria, particularly in Anambra State and Obiano's hometown of Aguleri.
In an exclusive interview, Igwe Idigo, who also serves as former Patron of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, revealed that he personally spoke with the former governor to verify his condition. "I called His Excellency some two hours ago, as soon as the rumour filtered. I spoke with him," the monarch stated authoritatively.
Official Clarifications from Multiple Sources
Igwe Idigo provided specific details about Obiano's current situation, confirming that the former governor is "healthy and hearty" and currently residing in the United States, not London as rumoured. He emphasized that Obiano has not visited any hospital in the past two months and urged the public to completely disregard the false reports.
Adding to the clarification, former Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. Don Adinuba, issued an official statement describing the death rumours as baseless. Adinuba confirmed that Chief Obiano lives in Texas, United States, and is not only alive but "healthy, strong and too agile for someone who has just turned 70."
The former commissioner noted that the widespread concern following the rumour demonstrated the continued public affection for Obiano, nearly four years after he left public office to pursue a quiet private life abroad.
Obiano's Personal Response to Rumours
In a related development, former Governor Obiano himself addressed the situation through a Facebook post, directly dismissing the online death rumours. He confirmed that he is "alive, hale, hearty, and in excellent health" and characterized the spread of misinformation as "unfortunate" and "mischief."
Obiano expressed gratitude to well-wishers for their calls and prayers while urging them to completely ignore the false reports. Dr. Willie Mmaduaburochukwu Obiano, born on August 8, 1955, served as Anambra State governor under the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) from March 17, 2014, to March 17, 2022, when he handed over to Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo.
