Former Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, has died at the age of 69 in London after a prolonged battle with ill health. His passing was confirmed on Friday by family and medical sources.
Obiano, who governed Anambra State from March 2014 to March 2022, had reportedly been receiving treatment for severe heart failure and complications arising from urinary cancer. Family sources said his condition had deteriorated significantly in recent months before taking a sudden turn for the worse.
A senior family member, who requested anonymity, described the development as heartbreaking. “His health had been declining in recent months, but the final collapse came suddenly. We are shattered,” the source said.
Medical personnel in London also disclosed that the former governor had been in intensive care in the days leading up to his death. “He fought till the very last moment,” a hospital official said.
Until his death, Obiano was standing trial on a nine-count money laundering charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The case involved the alleged misappropriation of N4 billion belonging to the Anambra State Government. The matter had recently been reassigned to Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, with the next hearing scheduled for November 25.
Obiano’s death brings an abrupt end to both his legal battle and the intense public interest surrounding the case.
Further details regarding funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in due course.
Meanwhile, the Anambra State government is yet to issue official statement regarding the passing of the former governor.
