Former Governor Rochas Okorocha Refutes Death Rumors, Attributes False Claims to Envy Over Positive Public Reception
Senator Rochas Okorocha, former Governor of Imo State, has addressed rumors surrounding his alleged death, dismissing them as false and attributing their origin to envy stemming from the warm reception he received at the recent burial ceremony of the late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media, Sam Onwuemeodo, Okorocha expressed disappointment over the “breaking news” reports circulated by unnamed sources on November 6, 2024. These rumors falsely claimed that Okorocha had passed away in a London hospital from a fictional illness dubbed “acute gorilla.”
Okorocha, who attended the burial in Owerri, affirmed that he was in good health and has not experienced any health issues since leaving office in 2019. “To all men and women of conscience,” the statement declared, “the correct breaking news is that Rochas Okorocha is neither sick nor dead. He has been hale and hearty throughout his stay in Owerri and has continued with his schedule, attending services in Abuja in honor of prominent Igbos, including Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu.”
The statement further criticized those who started the rumors, describing them as “dead in spirit” and resentful of the enthusiastic response Okorocha received at Iwuanyanwu’s burial. Okorocha expressed compassion for them, calling for prayers for their spiritual well-being and urging them to let go of any ill intentions.
“Those who came up with this news,” the statement continued, “are angry about the ovation Okorocha received. We do not curse those whom God has blessed. Instead, we wish these individuals genuine repentance and a return to a normal life. We pray for them,” it concluded.
Okorocha’s response serves to reaffirm his commitment to public service and underscores his appeal for unity and forgiveness amid ongoing tensions within the Igbo community.