Adeyeye Ajayi, Personal Assistant to former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd.), has refuted reports circulating online that the elder statesman is dead.
In a statement released on Sunday, Ajayi described the claims as false and misleading, warning that the spread of unverified information could trigger unnecessary anxiety among members of the public.
He called on Nigerians to disregard the rumour, emphasising that Gowon is alive and in good health.
“The claims making the rounds on social media about the death of General Yakubu Gowon are completely false and misleading. There is no truth whatsoever in the reports. The former military leader continues to live an active and purposeful life,” the statement read.
Ajayi noted that Gowon remains actively involved in public affairs and continues to make meaningful contributions to national conversations.
“General Gowon is alive, in good health, and remains active. He continues to attend public events and contribute to discussions on peace, unity, and the development of Nigeria,” he said.
The aide warned against the spread of unverified reports, stressing that such rumours could cause distress to the former leader’s family, associates, and the wider public.
He urged Nigerians to always confirm information from credible sources before sharing it, particularly on social media, and appealed for responsible conduct to help curb the spread of fake news.
Reports alleging that the former Nigerian Head of State had died had generated widespread confusion on social media platforms over the weekend.
Despite the lack of any official confirmation, many users shared condolence messages, underscoring how quickly unverified information can circulate online.