ABUJA — Former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, has laughed off viral claims of his death, calling them nothing but fake news.
For over a week, social media was ablaze with posts alleging Gowon had passed away. Some even claimed he collapsed and was rushed to intensive care.
The frenzy hit a peak when Nigeria‑US blogger Adeola Fayehun urged followers on Instagram to “pray for Gowon,” describing him as critically ill. Old photos of him with a walking stick were recycled to fuel the drama.
But Gowon is very much alive. His aide, Adeyeye Ajayi, blasted the reports as “false and misleading,” stressing the elder statesman remains healthy and active.
Senators in Abuja also weighed in, warning that such reckless rumors damage Nigeria’s image. They called for punishment of those behind the lies to serve as a deterrent.
Gowon himself reminded Nigerians he’s not the first leader to be “killed off” online. He recalled being falsely reported dead while attending a Christmas carol service last year.
“This is not new,” Gowon said. “They even staged a burial for a business tycoon who was alive.”
The Senate has now urged the National Security Adviser and the State Security Service to probe the origin of the fake story. A voice vote showed overwhelming support for the crackdown.
For now, Gowon remains very much alive — and the rumor mill has been exposed once again.
