Elder statesman and President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, is dead.
He died Thursday at an undisclosed hospital in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
Iwuanyanwu was to be 82 by September 4, this year.
Confirming his death, the son, Jide, said in a statement: “The Iwuanyanwu family of Umuohi Atta in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State announces the demise of our patriarch, Engr Chief Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu was before his death on Thursday July 25, 2024 after a brief illness.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu before his death was President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and Presdient of Owerri Peoples Assembly.
“Details of his burial will be announced later by the family after due consultations.”
When the business mogul turned 81 last year, his New Owerri palatial home was a hive of activities as he marked the birthday.
Iwuanyanwu had wished a very sober and reflective birthday because of the mood of the country, hence did not extend invitation to anybody, but behold, it was an out-pour of emotions as dignitaries of diverse backgrounds from various locations gathered to show love and solidarity to the pre-eminent Igbo Ieader.
Widely called by his chieftaincy title of Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo, he became President General of the apex Igbo sociocultural organisation, April 20, 2023, after the demise in the occupant, Prof. George Obiozor.
A national officer of Ohanaeze who wished not to be mentioned confirmed the incident.
Another source, a highly placed Igbo leader described the death as devastating, nothing that he died when his services were needed most by Ndigbo and Nigeria.
He told Daily Sun that they were waiting for Imo State Governor, ChirfHope Uzodimma to make the official announcement.