Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the president-general of the Igbo socio-cultural organization Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has passed away at the age of 82.
His son, Jide Iwuanyanwu, confirmed the news in a statement released on Thursday. “The Iwuanyanwu family of Umuohii Atta in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State announces the demise of our patriarch, Engr. Chief Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, who died on Thursday, 25 July, 2024, after a brief illness,” Jide stated. Details about the late Iwuanyanwu’s burial arrangements will be disclosed soon.
When reached on Thursday evening, the spokesperson for Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chiedozie Ogbonnia, mentioned that the group had not yet received official communication. “We are still waiting for an official announcement. I am not the right person to confirm it,” Mr. Ogbonnia said.
Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu is the second president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo to die in office, following his predecessor, George Obiozor.
Iwuanyanwu is survived by his wife, Lady Princess Frances Iwuanyanwu, many children, and grandchildren.
The statement stated that the burial details would be announced later by the family after due consultations.
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 Ọhanaeze Ndigbo for two years but died on December 29, 2022.
