Elder statesman and President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu has died, aged 81 (he would have been 82 on September 4 this year).Â
In a statement by his Son, Jide Iwuanyanwu, the family said he died this morning at an undisclosed hospital in Abuja after a brief illness.
The statement reads: “The Iwuanyanwu family of Umuohii Atta , In Ikeduru local government of Imo state announces the demise of our patriarch Engr Chief Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu – Ahaejigamba Ndigbo, died on 25 July, 2024 after a brief illness. He was aged 82.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu before his death was the President General of Ohanaze Ndigbo worldwide and President of Owerri Peoples Assembly .
“Chief Iwuanyanwu is survived by his wife Lady Princess Frances Iwuanyanwu, many children 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.
“Signed Jide Iwuanyanwu, son, for the family.”
Last year, as the business mogul celebrated his 81st birthday (He would have been 82 on September 4 this year), his palatial home in New Owerri was bustling with activity.
Despite his wish for a quiet and reflective celebration due to the somber mood of the country, numerous dignitaries from various backgrounds gathered to honor him, showing immense love and solidarity for the prominent Igbo leader.
Known widely by his chieftaincy title, Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo, Iwuanyanwu assumed the role of President General of the apex Igbo sociocultural organization on April 20, 2023, following the death of the previous occupant, Prof. George Obiozor.
Chief Iwuanyanwu, the 11th president-general of Ọhanaeze Ndigbo, was a Nigerian politician and businessman, who was considered one of the richest Igbo men in Nigeria.
 A high-ranking Igbo leader who would not want “to be mentioned for now”, described the death as devastating, noting that Iwuanyanwu’s leadership and services were especially crucial for Ndigbo and Nigeria at this time.