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Reports circulating on social media about the alleged death of former Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, have been formally dismissed by his longtime aide and former Commissioner for Information, Mr C-Don Adinuba. The clarification followed a wave of online posts claiming that the ex-governor had died in London after a brief illness.
News Week Nigeria reports that the claim gained traction across multiple online platforms before close associates of the former governor stepped forward to provide accurate information about his whereabouts and wellbeing.
Adinuba, who served in Obiano’s cabinet throughout his tenure between 2014 and 2022, confirmed that the former governor is alive, healthy, and currently residing in Houston, Texas, United States. He stated that he had spoken directly with Obiano shortly before issuing the rebuttal to set the record straight.
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Aide Confirms Obiano’s Status and Location
In a detailed telephone conversation with journalists, Adinuba dismissed the rumour as “provocative” and “unfounded,” noting that the former governor has not been in London and has not been hospitalised at any time as claimed by the false reports.
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According to him, Obiano remains in regular communication with close associates, family members, and political allies, and none of them has reported any health-related emergency or travel to the United Kingdom.
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He said he was compelled to speak publicly after receiving inquiries from members of the media who had encountered the allegations online.
Adinuba stated:
“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. 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.”
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He further explained that: “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.”
Publicist Also Denies Receiving Any Notice of Health Concerns
Obiano’s personal publicist, Mr Tony Nezianya, also dismissed the viral claims when contacted by reporters. He disclosed that he had not received any communication suggesting that the former governor was unwell or involved in any medical emergency.
Nezianya noted that if anything of such magnitude had occurred, reliable political structures, family members, and party stakeholders would have been aware. He said:
“I can’t confirm this; I am not aware of such news.”
The responses from both Adinuba and Nezianya align with the position of several individuals close to the former governor who have privately confirmed that he remains in good health.
Background: Obiano’s Political Career and Public Profile
Chief Willie Obiano served as the fourth democratically elected governor of Anambra State from March 2014 to March 2022. Before entering politics, he built a successful career in the banking sector, rising to the position of executive director at a leading financial institution.
During his tenure as governor, Obiano oversaw various infrastructural and agricultural initiatives, expanded security operations in the state, and implemented reforms across several sectors of the Anambra economy. He was succeeded by the present governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, after completing two consecutive terms.
Born on August 8, 1955, Obiano hails from Aguleri in the Anambra East Local Government Area. His political rise and influence in Anambra politics have continued even after leaving office, with supporters across party structures.
EFCC Investigation and Public Interest in Obiano
The former governor remains a subject of ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged ₦4 billion fraud linked to financial transactions during his administration. The corruption inquiry, which began shortly after he left office in 2022, has kept him in the public eye.
The EFCC matter has led to periodic interest in his movements, travel history, and legal engagements, contributing to the fast spread of rumours when claims about him surface online. However, there is no indication that the investigation is connected in any way to the current false reports concerning his health or location.
How False Stories About Politicians Spread Online
The rumour surrounding Obiano illustrates a growing trend in Nigeria’s online information space, where unverified claims about public figures often spread rapidly before credible sources intervene. Analysts note that factors that enable such misinformation include:
1. Lack of Source Verification
Several blogs and social media pages publish stories without confirming the information from credible stakeholders.
2. Algorithm-Driven Amplification
Platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) often push sensational claims to wider audiences because they generate high engagement.
3. Political Context
Public interest in political figures sometimes makes them targets of false narratives.
4. Speed of Digital Information Spread
The velocity of digital communication allows rumours to circulate within minutes, prompting confusion before factual clarifications surface.
The scenario around Obiano is not unique; other former governors and political office holders have faced similar misinformation cycles.
Adinuba Urges the Public to Disregard the Rumour
In his statement, Adinuba encouraged the public to approach news about high-profile individuals with caution. He advised Nigerians to rely on credible, verifiable platforms rather than anonymous social media accounts that engage in speculative reporting.
He emphasised that Obiano remains healthy and active, surrounded by his family in Houston.
Stakeholders in Anambra politics have echoed similar sentiments, calling on the public to avoid spreading unverified information
