The Spiritual Leader of the Igbo nation, Chief Ogilisi-Igbo, has dismissed as fake news the widespread reports claiming that former Anambra State governor, H.E. Dr. Willie Obiano, has died in London.
In a firm rebuttal issued on Friday, Ogilisi-Igbo urged the public to stop circulating what he described as a baseless and misleading rumour. He stated clearly that Obiano is alive and well, and currently resides in Houston, Texas, making it impossible for him to have died in London as claimed by several online platforms.
“Bikonu, do not continue sharing the fake news on former Governor of Anambra State, H.E. Dr. Willie Obiano. He stays in Houston and cannot die in London,” Ogilisi-Igbo warned.
He went on to emphasize that he is speaking not as an outsider but as someone who maintains a personal relationship with the former governor. According to him, Obiano has been a close friend for many years, including throughout the period he served as Governor of Anambra State from 2014 to 2022. Their long-standing friendship, he said, gives him direct knowledge of the former governor’s wellbeing.
Ogilisi-Igbo condemned the speed at which misinformation spreads, especially concerning the health and lives of public figures, and called on Nigerians to verify stories before sharing them.
The clarification comes amid public confusion following earlier unverified reports alleging Obiano’s death. With Ogilisi-Igbo’s statement, the rumour has been firmly debunked.
More reactions are expected as the situation unfolds.