Fake News Alert: Report that Yakubu Gowon is dead is FALSE

Claim

On Monday, many users on X claimed that General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), Nigeria’s former Head of State is dead.

According to the claim, Gowon had died at the age of 88 years.

BREAKING NEWS: Former Nigeria 🇳🇬 Military Head of States, General Yakubu Gowon Dies at the age of 88. pic.twitter.com/2QkpFatIBg

— NEFERTITI LITE (@FirstObidient) October 9, 2023

We lost a patriot and a believer in the unity and oneness of Nigeria in General Yakubu Gowon. 🇳🇬

His love for Nigeria and good leadership is the reason we still have a United Nigeria today, he’s a legend 🕊 pic.twitter.com/mjCf0nIko4

— Al’ameen (@A__yabo) October 9, 2023

BREAKING NEWS!

Former Nigerian Military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon is Dead. Aged 88.

Gowon was the one that renegaded the Aburi accord which later led to the death of more than 5 million Biafrans.

Gowon has blood on his hands. Blood of innocent Biafra children. pic.twitter.com/5Xblh2RG4j

— Elochukwu Ohagi (@ElochukwuOhagi) October 9, 2023

The rumour of the death of Gowon was already trending across social media platforms. Being a former Head of State, the news around his death rumour which was tending towards negative narratives on Biafra war prompted DailyAgent Check to verify the claim.

Verification

DailyAgent Check searched for authentic sources to the claim and no official announcement either from his family or the Federal Government.

Adeyeye E. Ajayi, the personal aide to the retired general, said the rumour of the death of the former leader was fake.

“I am still around and well. I am not in a hurry,” Ajayi said on behalf of his principal. 

This was contained in a post on X by the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) on Monday night.

News Flash:

General Yakubu Gowon denies rumoured death, says I am still around and well. I am not in a hurry" – Adeyeye E. Ajayi mni, Personal Aide to General Yakubu Gowon pic.twitter.com/TbROB3GXcV

— NTA News (@NTANewsNow) October 9, 2023

Verdict

The report is COMPLETELY FALSE