Tinubu, govs, others mourn Ohanaeze leader, 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.”

Similarly, the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has mourned Iwuanyanwu, describing him as a “distinguished statesman, notable patriot, renowned businessman.”

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.”