Iwuanyanwu’s demise: More tears, tributes pour in for late Ohaneze Ndigbo leader

The family of the late President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Engr. Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu, and the entire Umuohii Atta in Ikeduru LGA, Imo State, have begun to receive more condolences as groups and personalities from all walks of life thronged the residence of the late patriarch to commiserate with the family.

Among the callers was the Senator representing Owerri Senatorial District, Sen. Ezenwa Onyewuchi, who described Iwuanyanwu as one of the patriarchs of the Igbo nation who sacrificed most of his lifetime fighting the Igbo cause.

He said that his demise has created an indelible vacuum both in the national political sphere and in the Southeast region.

In his own tribute, the Deputy Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu, said that the demise of the late President General is a monumental loss to the people of Ndigbo in particular and the Nigerian nation in general.

Paying his own tribute, the gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party in the November 11, 2023, Imo Governorship Election, Sen. Nneji Athan Achonu, described the late President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo as a dedicated father who bore the plight of Ndigbo at heart.

He said that he had the opportunity to visit him at the hospital, not knowing that it would be the last time he would see him, and maintained that the departure of the late chief marks the end of an era.

Senator Achonu hinted that the efforts of the late Iwuanyanwu towards the release of Nnamdi Kanu demonstrated his unwavering commitment to justice and his people.

His words: “As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate a life filled with extraordinary achievements and unwavering commitment to the Igbo nation and Nigeria as a whole. As the president of Ohaneze Ndigbo, he was a formidable force in advocating for the rights and interests of the Igbo nation. His leadership was marked by wisdom and an unrelenting pursuit of justice for Ndigbo.”

In the same vein, an Igbo social-cultural organization under the aegis of Umunna Lekki Association (ULA) has also expressed shock over the death of the sitting leader of Ohaneze Ndigbo.

In a press statement issued to journalists, the President General of the association, Chief Michael Onuoha, described the late Chief Iwuanyanwu as an epitome of Igbo renaissance.

He noted that Chief Iwuanyanwu’s leadership of the Apex Igbo Organization has brought many benefits to the people of Ndigbo who needed a courageous and outstanding leader like him, especially during this challenging political period.

“We, as Umunna Lekki Association, are saddened by the news of the passing of our dear father, a symbol of love and compassion, a true patriot and leader of Ndigbo, as well as a committed Nigerian. We are, however, consoled by the fact that he lived a worthy life with an outstanding legacy of achievements in his effort to rebuild the Igbo nation, as well as his contributions to the greatness of Nigeria,” the release stated.

In their own tribute, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Imo State chapter, described Iwuanyanwu as a lifelong champion of the Igbo cause through his steadfast commitment to the growth of the Igbo tribe and his tireless efforts to promote the value of nationalism.

They further stated that he was a man of many parts—a politician, businessman, inventor, and sportsman—who has touched the lives of many through his philanthropic gestures.

The Institute informed that the late Chief Iwuanyanwu was a dedicated fellow of NIPR and a shining example of excellence in public relations practice, also advocating for the development of the profession.