PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu, former president, Muhammadu Buhari, governors and others, on Thursday, mourned the death of the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
The family confirmed the demise of the elder statesman in a statement on Thursday evening.
It reads: “The Iwuanyanwu family of Umuohii Atta, in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State, announces the demise of our patriarch, Chief Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu – Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu died on Thursday, July 25, 2024, after a brief illness. He was aged 82. He was an accomplished businessman and notable politician.”
The late businessman owned The Champion Newspapers. His business had also grown into a conglomerate of over 20 companies, including Enic Advertising Ltd; Magil Industries Limited; National Post Newspapers; Sunrise Insurance Brokers; Oriental Shipping Lines Limited; Paradise City Hotel, Calabar and Oriental Airlines.
Iwuanyanwu assumed office as the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide on April 30, 2023, shortly after the Imeobi Ohanaeze ratified his nomination, following the death of Prof George Obiozor, his predecessor.
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation also confirmed his demise through the National Publicity, Dr Alex Ogbonnia.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo said, “The sad news was broken by Mr Jude Iwuanyanwu, the son of the legend. According to the son, Chief Iwuanyanwu passed on Thursday, July 25, 2024, after a brief illness at the age of 82.”
The Vice-President, South-East, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, described Iwuanyanwu’s death as” a very big and collosal loss to the Ndigbo,” saying, “ He was a man who came to bind the Ndigbo together. He ensured the Igbo unity and the unity of Nigeria at heart. He had the mission to unite all the tribes in the country together. It’s very unfortunate that he did not complete his mission, to unite all the tribes in Nigeria.”
In a condolence message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu condoled with the family, the Imo State government, friends and associates of the deceased and the Ndigbo over what he termed irreparable loss.
“The President affirms that Chief Iwuanyanwu will always be remembered for his remarkable legacy,” the statement noted as he prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed elder statesman.
Buhari, in a statement by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, extended his condolences to the Iwuanyanwu family, friends and associates, and the entire people of the South East.
The former President said, “He was a visionary who revolutionised the nation’s media and sports. He made notable strides in the media industry, construction, sports, business, and politics.
“I had several opportunities to interact with him to learn about his passionate commitment to the unity, peaceful coexistence, and the development of Nigeria. His rich contributions have left indelible memories on the media, sports, politics, and business where he made extraordinary achievements.”
The Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum and Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, described the death of Iwuanyanwu as a profound loss to the nation.
Abiodun, in a statement on behalf of the southern states governors on Thursday, described the news of the death of the businessman, publisher, and politician as shocking.
He said as President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural organisation of the Igbo people, Iwuanyanwu worked tirelessly to preserve the unity of the country with his timely interventions at critical times when contentious issues were raging.
“I received with shock the news of the death of the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu. His passing at this critical time when his counselling as an elder statesman is needed is saddening.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu was a remarkable leader, statesman, and patriot who dedicated his life to promoting the unity, progress, and well-being of the Igbo nation and Nigeria as a whole.
“His contributions to fostering inter-ethnic harmony, peaceful co-existence, and mutual understanding between the diverse peoples of our country were huge. His death is a profound loss not only for the Igbo nation but for Nigeria as a whole.
“On behalf of the Southern Governors’ Forum, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Iwuanyanwu family, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo family, the entire South-East region and Nigeria as a whole.”
Soludo, in a statement by his Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, said,”Chief Iwuanyanwu was a personal mentor, a great supporter as well as an influential figure whose life and wise counsel were a tribute to exceptional leadership, patriotism, and steadfast dedication to the progress of the Igbo nation and Nigeria as a Country.
“His contributions to the socio-economic development of Nigeria are immeasurable. As the publisher of the Champion Newspapers and owner of several other businesses, his entrepreneurial spirit and philanthropic endeavours have left an enduring legacy in our nation.”
The senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Victor Umeh, said the Igbo nation was losing its icons in quick succession.
He listed notable figures like Obiozor, Ogbonnaya Onu, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Alex Ekwueme, and Ben Nwabueze, amongst others, as those who had passed on in recent times.
Describing Iwuanyanwu’s death as “a tragic loss,” Umeh said that “he died while serving the Igbo nation. The emotion reflects the sense of loss felt across the Igbo nation at the passing of another respected leader.”
Senators and members of the House of Representatives from Abia State lamented the death of Iwuanyanwu
The senator representing Abia North at the National Assembly, Orji Uzor Kalu, expressed sadness as he acknowledged the remarkable contributions of the late prominent businessman and politician, known for his significant contributions to various sectors, particularly in the social, economic, and political development of Nigeria.
He said Iwuanyanwu “lived a purposeful life dedicated to the service of humanity.”
Former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, in his statement, described Iwuanyanwu as best among equals, stating, “The death of Dr Iwuanyanwu is a huge loss of a consummate Nigerian patriot who was also the best among equals in Igbo land.”
In a terse statement through his Media Adviser, Uchenna Awom, in Abuja, on Thursday, Abaribe said he was saddened by the death of Iwuanyanwu, particularly at this time when he, alongside other patriots, had kick-started a crucial process that would enthrone a lasting peace and harmonious relationship in Nigeria, especially in Igbo land.
He said, “Here was a patriot, a consummate lover of our people and a focused progressive who was at the forefront of infrastructural revolution in the old Imo State and the overall development of our dear country Nigeria.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu was an all-rounder, who never glossed over responsibilities that would be beneficial to all, irrespective of tribe or religion. Thank you for all you did for our people. We will miss your wise counsel and your focused leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.”
In a press release from the Office of the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Abuja, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, described the late Ohanaeze chieftain as iroko who has fallen in Igbo land.
