By Enyichukwu Enemanna
The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the umbrella body of Igbos in South East Nigeria, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has passed away.
This was confirmed in a statement on Thursday by Jide Iwuanyanwu, the son of the late Chief Emmanuel.
According to the statement, the 82-year-old Iwuanyanwu died on Thursday after a brief illness.
“The Iwuanyanwu family of Umuohii Atta, in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State announces the demise of our patriarch, Engr Chief Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu-Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo,” the statement read.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu died on Thursday July 25, 2024, after a brief illness. He was aged 82. Chief Iwuanyanwu before his death was President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide and President of Owerri Peoples Assembly.”
Iwuanyanwu is survived by his wife, Lady Princess Frances Iwuanyanwu, many children and grandchildren.
The statement stated that the burial details will be announced later by the family after due consultations.
Before he passed away, he enjoined the people of South East region to shun the August 21 nationwide protest against bad governance.
He had advocated for peace and unity of the country and had also campaigned for equal opportunity for the people of his region.
He denounced the arrest and detention of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu by the federal government.
Kanu who has been in detention since 2021 had advocated for independent federation from Nigeria over alleged marginalization of South East region predominantly Igbos.
