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By Njoku Macdonald Obinna
Following the announcement of the demise of a critical Igbo leader, father figure, and President -General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, by the family, Thursday, July 24, 2024, the Diasporan paramount ruler of the Igbo Community in the Republic of Ghana, His Royal Majesty, Eze Dr. Amb. Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu (Ezeigbo Ghana), has joined His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, His Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe (Obi of Onitsha) and other prominent Nigerian patriots and Igbo leaders to mourn the late sage, elder statesman, business mogul, and a respected voice in the advocacy for true federalism.
In a statement signed by the revered Igbo Monarch in Ghana, Eze Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu, and made available to his Director, Media Strategy & Communications, Njoku Macdonald Obinna, parts of which read inter alia:
“ May I, on behalf of my lovely family, members of the Obi Igbo, Obi Eziokwu Royal Cabinet, and the entire Igbo people in Ghana under my leadership, commiserate with the Iwuanyanwu Family of Umuohii Atta in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State over the demise of your son, our iconic father figure, an illustrious son of Imo State and true Nigerian patriot, late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who has just passed on to join his ancestors. Your father, our father, as you know was a symbol of Igbo unity, peace, progress, and a strong advocacy for true federalism who devoted better part of his years in defending the Igbo cause during, before, and even after the civil war.“
“His demise came as a big shock to all of us as he left the stage at a very critical time that his fatherly counsel and leadership directions are much needed to address a number of issues in the South East. Having made his marks and left his footprints on the sands of history, we shall continue to celebrate his many legacies and eulogise those rare leadership virtues he stood for.
“As we celebrate his life and times, I join members of your family and the good people of Imo State to mourn our illustrious son and father, praying God for a peaceful repose of his soul. Amen.“
Meanwhile, in a condolence message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu condoled with the family, the Imo State government, friends and associates of the deceased and Ndiigbo over what he termed irreparable loss.
“The President affirmed that Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu will always be remembered for his remarkable legacy,” the statement noted as he prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed elder statesman.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari, in a statement by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, extended his condolences to the Iwuanyanwu family, friends and associates, and the entire people of the South East.
The former president said, “He was a visionary who revolutionised the nation’s media and sports. He made notable strides in the media industry, construction, sports, business, and politics.
“I had several opportunities to interact with him to learn about his passionate commitment to the unity, peaceful coexistence, and the development of Nigeria. His rich contributions have left indelible memories on the media, sports, politics, and business where he made extraordinary achievements.”, he said.
