Former Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Maduabuchi Obiano, rumoured death in a London hospital, according to multiple media outlets, is not true a former commissioner of information under him, C Don Adinuba and another friend have said.
Sahara Reporters say Obiano passed away after suffering from “severe heart failure and complications related to urinary cancer.”
However, Adinuba countered the information in a statement. He said: “The Nigerian media have been abuzz in the last couple of hours over a rumour that the immediate Anambra state Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, has passed on in London. This rumour has no basis. Chief Obiano lives in Texas, United States, and not London.
“He is not just alive but healthy, strong and too agile for someone who has just turned 70 years. We thank people from different walks of life across the globe.
“The outpouring of love across the globe following the rumour shows how much Chief Obiano matters to many, almost four years after leaving public office and choosing a quiet private life abroad.
“At only 70 years, Chief Obiano has joined the pantheon of men like the Great Zik of Africa, whose rumoured death turned out to be utterly false and without any foundation.”
In a public warning on social media, one Chief Nweke Christian Afamuefuna, believed to be his friend and associate, wrote
“My attention has been drawn to a disturbing and malicious piece of false information currently circulating on social media regarding the alleged death of Odugwu Omombala ji di ebube, His Excellency Chief Dr. Willian Maduaburuchukwu Obiano. This announcement is completely fake, misleading, and intentionally crafted to cause fear, confusion, and unnecessary tension among Ndi Anambra and the general public.
“Let it be clearly and loudly stated: Chief Dr. Willian Maduaburuchukwu Obiano is alive, well, and in good health. There is absolutely no truth in the rumor being spread by mischief-makers who take pleasure in creating panic for cheap publicity or political motivation.
“It is shameful and highly irresponsible for anyone to fabricate such a sensitive, emotional, and destructive lie about a respected leader, father, elder statesman, and distinguished son of Anambra State. Death is not a joke. It is not a topic to be used for political rivalry, gossip, or clout. Spreading false information about someone’s life or death is not only immoral, it is a criminal offense punishable under Nigerian law.
“To those behind this wicked rumor, this is your final warning: You have 24 hours from the time of this publication to retract your false statement and issue a public apology to the family of Chief Dr. Obiano and the entire Omambala community. Failure to do so will leave me with no option but to take immediate legal action. By next week, be ready to meet me in court and defend your lies before the law.
“The public is hereby advised to disregard the fake news entirely. Do not share it. Do not promote it. Do not give attention to those who enjoy spreading negativity and falsehood. Instead, rely on verified, credible information from trusted sources. Let us work together to discourage fake news and protect the integrity of our community.
“Chief Dr. Willian Maduaburuchukwu Obiano has served this state with honor, courage, and dedication. He remains a symbol of strength, leadership, and progress for Ndi Anambra. We will not allow his name to be dragged into baseless propaganda.
“Once again, the public is informed: Odugwu Omombala ji di ebube is alive.”
But media reports said sources close to Obiano’s family, disclosed that his health had been deteriorating in recent months, though his final collapse came suddenly.
A hospital insider in London said he had been receiving intensive care.
However, Obiano’s personal publicist, Tony Nezianya, told Daily Post that he was not aware of or able to confirm Obiano’s death.
At the time of reporting, no official statement had come from his family or a formal medical institution confirming the death.
Political Legacy
Obiano served as Governor of Anambra State from March 2014 to March 2022, succeeding Peter Obi and handing over to Professor Charles Soludo. He was known for his background in banking and technocratic governance.
Legal Troubles
His later years were overshadowed by legal challenges. He was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a nine-count money-laundering charge, accused of diverting more than N4 billion from state funds. The trial was scheduled to resume in late November 2025.
