Former Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, has publicly addressed and dismissed widespread rumours of his death, confirming that he is in good health and spirits.
Official Statement Puts Rumours to Rest
In an official statement released on Thursday, 14 November 2025, the former governor directly confronted the false information that had been circulating on social media. He described the rumours as unfortunate and completely without foundation.
Addressing the public, Obiano stated, "My beloved Ndi Anambra, friends, and well-wishers, I woke to hear of a rumour making the rounds about my well-being. 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 strongly condemned the originators of the false reports and urged the public to completely disregard the malicious falsehoods.
Outpouring of Support and Previous Denials
Obiano, who governed Anambra State from 2014 to 2022, also took a moment to express his sincere gratitude to those who reached out to him. "To everyone who reached out with calls, messages, and prayers, I sincerely appreciate your concern. Your love and goodwill mean more than words can express," he added.
His message concluded on a note of gratitude and faith: "We remain focused, grateful, and guided by God’s grace. Daalu nu, and may God bless you all."
Earlier, a former Commissioner for Information in Anambra State, Mr C-Don Adinuba, had also moved swiftly to dismiss the reports. In his own statement titled "Former Governor Willie Obiano is Alive, Healthy, and Kicking", Adinuba clarified that Obiano is not in London, as the rumours suggested, but is alive and residing with his family in Houston, Texas, in the United States.
Adinuba emphasized that the former governor is "not only alive but healthy, strong, and remarkably agile for someone who has just turned 70." He also thanked the global community for their concern and noted that the widespread reaction to the rumour showed the high esteem in which Obiano is held.
A Wave of Relief and Condemnation of Fake News
The official statement from Chief Obiano has brought immense relief to his supporters, political associates, and well-wishers across Nigeria and the diaspora, who had been shocked by the initial, unverified reports.
This incident has also sparked renewed conversations about the dangers of spreading unverified information on social media and the emotional distress it can cause. The swift and clear communication from both Obiano and his associates successfully quelled the misinformation, restoring calm and providing factual clarity on the former governor's true state of health and whereabouts.
