Tinubu, govs, others mourn as Ohanaeze leader, Iwuanyanwu, dies

President Bola Tinubu, former president, Muhammadu Buhari, governors and others, on Thursday, mourned the death of the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel 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.”

The senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Victor Umeh, said the Igbo nation was losing its icons in quick succession.

He listed notable figures like Obiozor, Ogbonnaya Onu, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Alex Ekwueme, and Ben Nwabueze, amongst others, as those who had passed on in recent times.

Describing Iwuanyanwu’s death as “a tragic loss,” Umeh said that “he died while serving the Igbo nation. The emotion reflects the sense of loss felt across the Igbo nation at the passing of another respected leader.”

Senators and members of the House of Representatives from Abia State lamented the death of Iwuanyanwu.

The senator representing Abia North at the National Assembly, Orji Uzor Kalu, expressed sadness as he acknowledged the remarkable contributions of the late prominent businessman and politician, known for his significant contributions to various sectors, particularly in the social, economic, and political development of Nigeria.

He said Iwuanyanwu “lived a purposeful life dedicated to the service of humanity.”

Former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, in his statement, described Iwuanyanwu as best among equals, stating, “The death of Dr Iwuanyanwu is a huge loss of a consummate Nigerian patriot who was also the best among equals in Igbo land.”

In a terse statement through his Media Adviser, Uchenna Awom, in Abuja, on Thursday, Abaribe said he was saddened by the death of Iwuanyanwu, particularly at this time when he, alongside other patriots, had kick-started a crucial process that would enthrone a lasting peace and harmonious relationship in Nigeria, especially in Igbo land.

He said, “Here was a patriot, a consummate lover of our people and a focused progressive who was at the forefront of infrastructural revolution in the old Imo State and the overall development of our dear country Nigeria.

“Chief Iwuanyanwu was an all-rounder, who never glossed over responsibilities that would be beneficial to all, irrespective of tribe or religion. Thank you for all you did for our people. We will miss your wise counsel and your focused leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.”

In a press release from the Office of the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Abuja, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, described the late Ohanaeze chieftain as iroko who has fallen in Igbo land.

In the statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu likened Iwuanyanwu’s death to a fallen Iroko tree, adding that he contributed immensely to the socio-economic development of Nigeria.

Recalling that Iwuanyanwu, through his many business establishments, employed many Nigerians, and recognised the patriotic and philanthropic gestures of the deceased, which he exemplified through the Iwuanyanwu National Ambulance that catered for accident victims all over Nigeria, amongst others.

He also recalled Chief Iwuanyanwu’s contributions to the successful unveiling of the Peace In South East Project in Bende Local Government of Abia State in December 2023, saying that his commitment to the peace and unity of Nigeria was unparalleled.

Also, the immediate-past senator representing Abia Central and former governor of the state, Chief Orji Kalu, acknowledging the remarkable contributions of the late prominent businessman and politician, said he was heartbroken.

“I feel for the family, the state, Ndigbo and Nigeria at large,” he said in a statement he signed and released by his Liaison Officer, Hon. Ifeanyi Umere.

The former governor recognised the contributions made by Iwuanyanwu in politics, business and humanitarian efforts, and prayed to God to give his soul repose.

A 2023 presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, Sam Ohuabunwa, described Iwuanyanwu as a selfless leader who stood for equity, justice and peaceful co-existence.

“His life and works will remain an inspiration to the present and forthcoming generations on the lessons of tolerance and unity,” he said.

A statement by the former President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, a copy of which was obtained by The PUNCH, read: “My team members at the Ohanaeze Council of Igbo Business Leaders and I are greatly pained by the sad news of the passage to the great beyond of Chief Iwuanyanwu (Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo) today, July 25, 2024. We have not just lost a trusted and dependable ally, but a good friend, a true patriot, and a highly esteemed elder statesman.

“Chief Iwuanyanwu was an exemplary, unpretentious and self-effacing leader; and a first-class gentleman and business mogul…He was a man of peace who will be remembered for his candour, open-mindedness and civility. His life and works will remain an inspiration to present and forthcoming generations on the lessons of tolerance, unity and peaceful co-existence.”

The leadership of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra said it received the news of the demise of Iwuanyanwu, “with a devastative shock.”

Describing Iwuanyanwu as “a devout and dedicated Igbo leader,” MASSOB lamented that “Ndigbo shall miss him,” adding that “his fatherly efforts and commitment for the release of Nnamdi Kanu shall never be in vain.”

The Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders, the umbrella body of all youth groups in Nigeria, expressed shock at the passing of Iwuanyanwu.

In a statement signed by its President-General and National Publicity Secretary, Comrades Goodluck Ibem and Junaid Abubakar, respectively, CONYL said, “This news is devastating, painful and a big loss to Ndigbo, Nigeria and the world.

“Chief Iwuanyawu was a great philanthropist, an engineer of great repute, an enigma of sorts, a trailblazer, a problem solver, a goal getter and a man with an overflowing zeal to be a blessing to his people and his generation.”