Reports circulated on Friday afternoon claiming that former Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, has died in London after battling severe heart failure and complications related to urinary cancer.
The claim first emerged on X, where Olóyè T.D. Esq wrote that a senior family source confirmed Obiano’s health had been declining in recent months and that “the final collapse came suddenly. We are devastated.”
The post also cited unnamed hospital insiders who allegedly said Obiano was receiving intensive care before his condition worsened.
Similarly, Sahara Reporters has also claimed that the former Anambra governor has passed on.
However, as of now, no official statement has been released by Obiano’s family or the Anambra State Government to confirm his death.
Verdict: The report remains unverified, and the claim of Obiano’s death should be treated as a rumor until confirmed by credible sources.
Who is Willie Obiano?
Willie Maduabuchukwu Obiano was born on 8 August 1955 in Aguleri, Anambra State. He is a banker-turned-politician who 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.
Obiano contested and won the governorship under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and was re-elected in 2017. His tenure was marked by efforts to promote business and economic development in Anambra State.
Following his tenure, Obiano has faced scrutiny by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of financial mismanagement.