BREAKING: Ohanaeze President Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu Passes Away at 82
Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the president-general of the Igbo socio-cultural organization Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has passed away at the age of 82.Â
The announcement was made by his son, Jide Iwuanyanwu, in a statement released on Thursday. “The Iwuanyanwu Family of Umuohii Atta in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State announces the demise of our patriarch, Engr. Chief Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, who died on Thursday, 25 July, 2024, after a brief illness,” Jide stated. Details regarding the burial arrangements will be disclosed soon.
When contacted, Ohanaeze Ndigbo spokesperson Chiedozie Ogbonnia told First Class Gists that the group had not yet received official communication. “We are still waiting for an official announcement. I am not the right person to confirm it,” Mr. Ogbonnia said.
Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu becomes the second president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo to die in office, following the death of his predecessor, George Obiozor.
A Glance at Iwuanyanwu’s Life
Born on September 4, 1942, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu was a prominent figure both within and outside the Igbo community. Before assuming the role of president-general, he served as the chairman of the Council of Elders of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
Mr. Iwuanyanwu, a graduate of engineering from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, made significant contributions to various fields. He founded Iwuanyanwu Nationale Football Club, now known as Heartland Football Club, which has won several local and international championships. He was also the publisher of the Daily Champion newspaper and had made several attempts to run for the Nigerian presidency.
