Former Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, has shut down fast-spreading rumours claiming he died overseas, with his longtime ally and former Commissioner for Information, C. Don Adinuba, declaring the story nothing but deliberate mischief.
Adinuba revealed on Friday that he spoke directly with Obiano and confirmed the ex-governor is “hale and hearty” — and very much in the United States, not London, where the false report claimed he died.
“Obiano has never lived in the United Kingdom. He lives in the United States of America. I just spoke with him now,” Adinuba said, urging Nigerians to dismiss the rumour mill and avoid causing needless panic for Obiano’s family and supporters.
In a strongly worded statement titled Former Governor Willie Obiano is Alive, Healthy, and Kicking, Adinuba slammed the fake report as baseless and misleading.
He wrote:
“The Nigerian media have been abuzz in the last couple of hours with a rumour that the immediate past Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, has passed on in London.
“This rumour has no basis. Chief Obiano lives in Texas, United States, and not in London.
“He is not only alive but healthy, strong, and remarkably agile for someone who has just turned 70.
“We thank people from different walks of life across the globe, including leading international media like the BBC, for their keen interest in the former governor, whose large-heartedness and record of service delivery remain impressive by every standard.
“The outpouring of love across the world following the rumour shows how much Chief Obiano means to many, almost four years after leaving public office and choosing a quiet private life abroad.
“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 and without any foundation.”
Obiano, who governed Anambra from 2014 to 2022, remains a notable political figure nearly four years after leaving public office.
