The former Commissioner for Information in Anambra State, C. Don Adinuba, has dismissed circulating reports that former Governor Willie Obiano has died, describing the claims as “baseless and false.”
In a statement issued on Friday, Adinuba clarified that the ex-governor is alive, healthy, and residing in Texas, United States, not in London as alleged in several media reports.
“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,” Adinuba said.
He emphasized that Obiano remains in good health and continues to live a quiet, private life abroad since leaving public office.
“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,” he stated.
Adinuba also expressed appreciation to well-wishers from across the world who reached out following the false report, noting that the widespread concern reflected Obiano’s enduring goodwill and legacy.
“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,” he said.
The former commissioner added that the global outpouring of concern demonstrates the former governor’s positive impact even years after leaving office.
“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,” Adinuba remarked.
Drawing a historical parallel, he likened the false reports to past instances involving prominent Nigerian leaders.
“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,” he concluded.
Okay News reports that Willie Obiano, who served as Governor of Anambra State from 2014 to 2022, has largely stayed out of the public eye since leaving office.
