BREAKING: Former Anambra Governor Willie Obiano Dies In London After Heart And Cancer Complications Amid Ongoing Trial Proceedings

 

Former governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, has reportedly died in London after a difficult period marked by severe health challenges. Family members revealed that the former governor battled serious heart failure coupled with complications linked to urinary cancer. According to a senior family source, his health had been on a steady decline for months, and although he had been receiving intensive medical attention, his final collapse came suddenly, leaving relatives deeply shaken. The source described the mood within the family as one of profound shock and devastation.

Medical personnel in London confirmed that Obiano had been receiving intensive care as specialists struggled to stabilise his condition. A hospital insider noted that the former governor remained resilient throughout the ordeal and continued fighting until the final moment. The insider added that his medical team had anticipated a long recovery process, only for his health to deteriorate sharply within a short span.

Obiano served as governor of Anambra State from March 2014 to March 2022, a period during which he held significant influence in the state’s political landscape. His administration embarked on various infrastructural and security-related initiatives that shaped public discourse in the region. Supporters often pointed to his work in urban development and attempts at strengthening local security structures, while critics argued that some of his policies lacked transparency. His political career, however, continued to attract national attention even after he left office.

Reports of his death surfaced at a time when he was still facing a high-profile legal battle brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. The EFCC had instituted a nine-count charge against him, alleging the misappropriation of more than ₦4 billion from the state treasury. The case was recently re-assigned to Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja, with trial proceedings scheduled to resume on November 25. Earlier hearings featured testimony from witnesses including Ugochukwu Otubelu, a former commercial bank staff member who claimed he managed the security vote account during Obiano’s tenure. Otubelu stated that he interacted frequently with top officials authorised to sign on the account and detailed how various transactions were processed.

His death adds a new dimension to the unfolding legal matter, and questions are expected to arise regarding the future of the case. Legal experts anticipate that the court will issue formal guidance on how the proceedings will be handled in light of the development. Political observers also predict that discussions surrounding his legacy will intensify, with emphasis on both his achievements in office and the controversies that trailed him.

Family members are expected to release an official statement soon, while associates in Nigeria and abroad continue to react to the news. Tributes are beginning to pour in from political figures, community leaders and residents of Anambra State who remember his years in public service. His passing marks the end of a significant chapter in the state’s recent political history, leaving supporters to reflect on his contributions and the unresolved issues that surrounded his final years.

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