PAN-Yoruba socio-cultural and socio-political organisation, Afenifere, on Friday, expressed its condolences over the demise of the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu.
 
The condolence was contained in a press statement issued by Afenifere National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi.Iwuanyanwu passed away on Thursday, July 24, 2024, after a brief illness. He was 82 years old.
 
Ajayi quoted Afenifere National Leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, as sending his heartfelt sympathy to the family of the deceased, the people of Imo State, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and associates of the founder of Champion Newspapers, among others. 
 
The release disclosed that Afenifere had opportunities to interact fairly closely with the late business mogul particularly since his emergence on April 20, 2023, as Ohanaeze President-General.
 
“Chief Iwuanyanwu’s love for his people and his patriotic zeal never failed to come out boldly. He was cerebral, especially when it comes to inter-cultural relationships,” he said.  
 
Also, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has mourned the demise of Iwuanyanwu, describing his death as a colossal loss to Nigeria, particularly the Igbo nation and the media industry.

The governor described Iwuanyanwu as a respected elder statesman and detribalised Nigerian. Sanwo-Olu, in a condolence statement issued on Thursday, sympathised with the Ndigbo at home and abroad over the demise of their President-General.
 
He also consoled the Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, and the entire people of Imo State over the death of their illustrious son.
 
The governor also sympathised with the deceased wife, Lady Princess Frances Iwuanyanwu, children, friends and associates, as well as the management and staff of Champion Newspaper and other businesses of the late Iwuanyanwu.
   
“On behalf of my family, the Government and the people of Lagos State, I mourn the death of the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu,” he said.
 
Similarly, the candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 governorship election in Enugu State, Chijioke Edeoga, has described Iwuanyanwu’s death as shocking.
 
Noting that he was a hero of the Igbo people and Nigeria,Edeoga said he last met the late Iwuanyanwu less than two months ago, on May 30, 2024, adding that although he admitted being slightly indisposed, there was nothing to suggest that he was critically ill.
 
The LP chieftain, in a statement he personally signed and made available to the media, described the late Ohanaeze Ndigbo leader as a “humble, humane, compassionate and philanthropic leader who dedicated his life towards service and making life better for those whom he comes across.”
 
Highlighting his dedication to the emancipation of his people and the rest of the country, Edeoga said Igbo people would miss him because of his efforts to advance their cause in the wider Nigerian socio-political and economic structure.
 
“As President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu worked assiduously even against the dictates of his age to serve, to protect and to advance the interest of Ndigbo,” Edeoga said.
 
Also, the National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Southeast Zone, Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, on Friday mourned the demise of Iwuanyanwu, describing him as a statesman.
 
Arodiogbu said he received the news of Iwuanyanwu’s demise with shock, lamenting that it has thrown the entire Igbo land into mourning.  Arodiogbu added: “Igbo land has been thrown into mourning, just as we are celebrating the passage of the South East Development Commission Bill into law, with the passing away of one of the finest statesmen, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu ‘Ahaejiagamba’, astute politician, businessman, publisher, philanthropist and pillar of sports.
 
“I received the news with shock as it did not dawn on any of us that the President General of the pan Igbo group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo was sick as he had actively participated in a number of activities where we benefited from his wise counsel and immense wealth of experience. We will surely miss the towering statesman.
 
“His many forays into politics, business and sports benefited the nation and Ndigbo. In both politics and publishing he gave Ndigbo a voice and a platform in which we could promote and protect our interests as a zone. Even in sports, his football club, Iwuanyanwu National, won so many laurels for the country. Even today with the state government taking over the club, Heartland Football Club is still a part of the legacy of Chief Iwuanyanwu.”