President Bola Tinubu has extended his heartfelt commiserations to the family of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who passed away on Thursday.

Chief Iwuanyanwu was the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. He was an accomplished businessman and notable politician.

In a statement by Tinubu’s Special Adviser to the President, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu condoled with the Imo State Government, the friends and associates of the deceased, and Ndi Igbo over the loss.

He wrote, “The President affirms that Chief Iwuanyanwu will always be remembered for his remarkable legacy.

“President Tinubu prays for the repose of the soul of the departed elder statesman and comfort to his family.”

I Am Disheartened — Peter Obi

In the same vein, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has described the demise of Ohanaeze Ndigbo President-General, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu as disheartening.

In a series of posts on his X handle on Friday, the former governor of Anambra expressed shock over the death of the Ohanaeze president.

“I am greatly disheartened by the death of an elder statesman and President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Mr Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.

“The devastating reports of his death have left all who knew him heartbroken.

“He was not just a father to many, but a bridge builder who remained committed to the peaceful coexistence of the nation,” he said.

While announcing his passing, his son Jide Iwuanyanwu said 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 would be announced later by the family after due consultations.

The late Iwuanyanwu was born on September 4, 1942, to Pa Bernard Iwuanyanwu and Madam Hulder Iwuanyanwu of Umuohii Atta in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State.

He was a Nigerian politician and businessman, considered one of the richest Igbo men in the country.

He emerged as the 11th President-General of the Igbo socio-cultural organisation on April 20, 2023.

Iwuanyanwu succeeded George Obiozor who led the Ọhanaeze Ndigbo for two years but died on December 29, 2022.

He Gave Me $8,000 To Start My Career — Charly Boy
Popularly known as Charly Boy, Charles Oputa, has also joined in mourning the late Iwuanyanwu.

In a post on Facebook on Thursday, Charly Boy described the businessman and politician as the first Nigerian to support and believe in him.

His post read, “When I returned from the USA in 1981, all I had was a dream as a broke-ass Charly Boy wanna-be.

“It was Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyawu who accidentally met me in my village, Oguta, after I disowned my parents for not buying into my dreams. He dashed me $8,000 at the time.

“I almost fainted. That gave me the impetus to build the brand as I started my Jankara studio in my village. He was the very first Nigerian who supported and believed in my dream.

As he expressed gratitude for Iwuanyanwu’s role in shaping his life and career, Charly Boy also emphasised the importance of legacy, noting that it is defined by the impact one makes on others.

He added, “My people, legacy is really about the lives we touched, the inspiration we gave, altering someone’s plan—if even for a moment—and getting them to think, cry, laugh, argue.

“More than anything, we are remembered for our smiles—the ones we share with our closest and dearest, and the ones we bestow on total strangers who needed them right then, and God put us there to deliver.

“Chief, I can never forget how, out of the blues, you jump-started my career. I know many will share similar stories of how you touched their lives. I remain ever so grateful. Rest in peace, biggest bros/father.”

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