Former Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, on Friday dismissed widespread rumours claiming he had died, describing the reports as entirely false.
In a video circulating on social media, the 70-year-old appeared relaxed in his home abroad and spoke in Igbo to assure the public of his wellbeing.
“As you can see, I am in my house. I did not go to any hospital, and I did not travel to London.
“We give God the glory. Let them continue spreading the rumour, it only adds to my years, through Christ our Lord, ” Obiano said.
The speculation, which spread rapidly across Anambra social media platforms and even drew emotional reactions from some of his former aides, was later confirmed to be untrue.
Former Commissioner for Information, Mr. C. Don Adinuba, issued a statement debunking the rumour, stressing that Obiano resides in Texas, United States — not London, as the claims suggested.
“This rumour has no basis. Chief Obiano is not only alive but healthy, strong, and too agile for a man who just turned 70,” Adinuba said.
He thanked Nigerians for their concern, noting that the reaction showed how deeply the former governor is still regarded nearly four years after leaving office.
Adinuba compared the false report to past unfounded rumours about notable Nigerian leaders, including the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.
Other close associates of the former governor also took to social media to refute the claim.
Onyebuchi Okpala urged Anambra residents to ignore the “fake death news,” assuring that Obiano remains in good health.
Uche Nworah, former MD/CEO of Anambra Broadcasting Service, similarly described the rumour as baseless.
James Eze, a former aide, criticised those responsible, saying he could not understand “the nature of the evil” behind issuing a false obituary.
Obiano, who governed Anambra State from 2014 to 2022, relocated to Houston, Texas, after leaving office.
Before becoming governor, he had retired as a senior executive of Fidelity Bank.
He is currently standing trial before a Federal High Court over allegations of mismanaging N4 billion during his tenure as governor.
Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, his aides maintain that he continues to live quietly and in good health abroad.
