The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has passed away at the age of 82.
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Publicity Secretary, Dr. Alex Ogbonnia, confirmed the death, saying, “Today is a bad day for Ndigbo. It’s true! Ahaeji aga Mba is gone.”
In a tribute, Ohanaeze Ndigbo described Iwuanyanwu as “one of the most outstanding Igbo leaders” who introduced a “strategic and visionary dimension” to the organization. He was praised for his “towering personality,” “prodigious intellect,” and “selfless service” to the Igbo people.
“It is with a deep shock and sorrow that Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide received the sad news of the passing of one of the most outstanding Igbo Leader, Chief Engr. Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu, CFR, OFR, MFR, GCSI, FNSE, FNIST, FNICE, KSC. (Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo), the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide,” the statement read.
Iwuanyanwu assumed office as the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo on April 30, 2023, and was the ninth leader of the Igbo group since its inception in 1976.
He was remembered for his “brilliant initiatives, elephantine memory, oratory, and frequency with which the Igbo Leader enunciated robust ideas.”
The statement continued, “Ahaejiagamba had a towering personality with an impressive record as one of the most successful businessmen in Nigeria. He deployed his prodigious intellect, political, administrative, and political acumen, vast knowledge, and invaluable contacts in the selfless service of Ndigbo.”
Iwuanyanwu was a philanthropist who donated to universities, built churches, and community facilities. He was also a successful businessman who founded over twenty limited liability companies that employed thousands of Nigerians.
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo statement concluded, “We have lost a gem. While we send a heartfelt condolence to the amiable wife, the children, the people of Umuohiri Attah community, and the Imo State government, we ask the Almighty to grant the soul of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu an eternal rest in his bosom.”