November 14, (THEWILL) — The immediate-past governor of Anambra State, Willie Maduaburuchukwu Obiano, is alive and in good health, contrary to widespread false reports circulating on social media claiming he had passed away.
The misleading rumour, which gained rapid traction on Friday across several online platforms, claimed the former governor passed away in London, following “severe heart failure and complications related to urinary cancer”.
The former Governor in a statement signed on his behalf by Paul Nwosu, maintained that “by the special grace of God”, he is hale and hearty. He reassured members of his family, friends, political associates and numerous supporters across the globe that there is no cause for concern regarding his wellbeing.
Expressing concern over the growing trend of misinformation on digital platforms, the former governor condemned what he termed a “desperate bid to generate social-media content.” He criticised individuals who engage in fabricating stories for attention, stressing that such acts are irresponsible and damaging.
The statement further noted that spreading falsehoods about public figures has become a troubling pattern, adding that the architects of such mischief “will not go unpunished.” It called for restraint and urged the public to rely on verified information instead of sensational online claims.
Earlier, his media team in a statement signed by Chief Nweke Christian Afamuefuna described the viral story as a dangerous piece of misinformation deliberately crafted to stir confusion and unnecessary tension. He urged the public to completely disregard the report.
Chief Afamuefuna, who confirmed that Obiano remains healthy and fully engaged in his personal and communal responsibilities, labelled the rumour as malicious and the handiwork of mischief-makers who thrive on creating chaos and seeking attention through fabricated stories.
According to him, such careless and insensitive actions are not only immoral but constitute a criminal offence under Nigerian law. He noted that it was shameful for anyone to exploit such a sensitive topic for political rivalry, gossip, or clout chasing.
Issuing a stern warning, Chief Afamuefuna demanded that the originators of the rumour retract their statement within 24 hours and tender a public apology to the Obiano family and the entire Omambala community. Failure to comply, he said, would trigger immediate legal action.
“Odugwu Omombala ji di ebube is alive, well, and continues to be a symbol of leadership and progress for Ndi Anambra”, he affirmed, urging the public to stand firm against fake news and uphold the integrity of information shared within the community.
Born Willie Maduabuchukwu Obiano on August 8, 1955, in Aguleri, Anambra State, the banker-turned-politician served as Governor of Anambra State from 17 March 2014 to 17 March, 2022.
A graduate of Accountancy from the University of Lagos, Obiano worked in top positions at First Bank, Chevron Nigeria, and Fidelity Bank before entering politics.
Following his tenure as Anambra Governor under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Obiano has faced scrutiny by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of financial mismanagement.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
