Ohanaeze Ndigbo Leader, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Passes at 82

By Admin

The President-General of the apex-Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has passed away on Thursday, July 25, 2024. The family announced his death, stating he did not suffer before his passing.

Chief Iwuanyanwu died after a brief illness at the age of 82.

In an obituary announcement titled “TRANSITION,” signed by Mr.

Jide Iwuanyanwu, the first son of the late elder statesman, the family conveyed their loss: “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.

“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.

“Chief Iwuanyanwu is survived by his wife Lady Princess Frances Iwuanyanwu, many children, and grandchildren, including Dr. Mrs. Nwadiuto Iheakanwa – Managing Director, Champion Group of Newspapers. Details of the burial will be announced later by the family after due consultations.”

Jide Iwuanyanwu described his father as a man of many parts in a statement that included a brief biography. He highlighted his father’s achievements as a renowned Nigerian businessman, politician, and traditional leader.

“Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu was born on September 4, 1942, in Umunakanu, Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo. He hailed from a humble background and was the first child of his parents. He attended St. Patrick’s Primary School, Umunakanu, and later proceeded to St. Peter’s Secondary School, Umuguma. He furthered his education at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he graduated with a degree in Economics,” Jide noted.

Chief Iwuanyanwu’s business career began in the 1960s as a trader. He ventured into various sectors, including construction, manufacturing, and publishing, and was the founder and chairman of Champion Newspapers Limited. He also owned several other businesses, including construction companies, manufacturing firms, and real estate investments.

Jide also recounted his father’s political career, stating that Iwuanyanwu joined active politics in the 1980s. He was a member of the National Party of Nigeria and later joined the Peoples Democratic Party.

Chief Iwuanyanwu was a respected traditional leader in Igboland, holding several chieftaincy titles, including Eze Udo 1 of Umunakanu and Ochiagha Ndigbo. He received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to business, politics, and traditional leadership, including the Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic and Honorary Doctorate Degrees from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and Imo State University.

A devout Catholic, Iwuanyanwu engaged in philanthropic activities throughout his life. His aspiration to vie for the President on the platform of the United Nigeria Congress Party in 1997 and his succession as the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide after the late Amb. George Obiozor in December 2022 marked significant milestones in his career.

Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu is survived by his wife, Frances, children, and grandchildren. The date of his burial will be announced by the family after due consultation.