President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Iwuanyanwu, is dead

The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has died after a brief illness, at the age of 82.

His son Jide Iwuanyanwu confirmed the development.

According to a statement, Jide said the 82-year-old Iwuanyanwu died on Thursday after a brief illness.

“The Iwuanyanwu family of Umuohii Atta, in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State, announces the demise of our patriarch, Engr Chief Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu-Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo,” the statement read.

“Chief Iwuanyanwu died on Thursday, July 25, 2024, after a brief illness. He was aged 82. Chief Iwuanyanwu before his death was President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide and President of Owerri Peoples Assembly.”

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu in a condolence message to the family described the late Iwuanyanwu as an accomplished businessman and notable politician.

Tinubu, in a statement by his spokesman, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, “affirms that Chief Iwuanyanwu will always be remembered for his remarkable legacy.

“President Tinubu prays for the repose of the soul of the departed elder statesman and comfort to his family”.

Who is Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu?

The late Iwuanyanwu was born on September 4, 1942, to Pa Bernard Iwuanyanwu and Madam Hulder Iwuanyanwu of Umuohii Atta in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State.

He was a Nigerian politician and businessman, considered one of the richest Igbo men in the country.

He emerged as the 11th President-General of the Igbo socio-cultural organisation on April 20, 2023.

Iwuanyanwu succeeded George Obiozor who led the ?hanaeze Ndigbo for two years but died on December 29, 2022.

Late Iwuanyanwu is survived by his wife, Lady Princess Frances Iwuanyanwu, many children, and grandchildren.