Ohanaeze Ndigbo president Iwuanyanwu dies at 82

His son, Jide Iwuanyanwu, confirmed the news.

According to a statement, Jide reported that the 82-year-old Iwuanyanwu died today following a brief illness.

“The Iwuanyanwu family of Umuohii Atta in the Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State is saddened to announce the passing of our patriarch, Engr. Chief Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu-Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo,” the statement said.

“Chief Iwuanyanwu passed away on Thursday, July 25, 2024, after a brief illness. He was 82 years old. Prior to his death, he served as the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide and the President of the Owerri Peoples Assembly.”

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

The family noted that burial arrangements would be communicated later following appropriate consultations.

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

He was a prominent Nigerian politician and businessman, recognized as one of the wealthiest Igbo individuals in the country.

Iwuanyanwu was elected as the 11th President General of the Igbo socio-cultural organization on April 20, 2023, succeeding George Obiozor, who led Ohanaeze Ndigbo for two years before his passing on December 29, 2022.