President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, along with former presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Olusegun Obasanjo, will be present at the burial ceremony of Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the late president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. Several other dignitaries, including leaders from various socio-cultural organizations, are expected to attend this event.
Prominent groups like Afenifere, the Arewa Consultative Forum, and the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) will be represented at the burial, which is set to be a significant occasion. According to reports from Legit.ng, Iwuanyanwu, who passed away in July, was not only a well-respected Igbo leader but also a successful businessman and politician.
Presidents to Grace Iwuanyanwu’s Burial
In Owerri, Imo State, President Bola Tinubu, along with his predecessors Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, will attend Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu’s burial. This will be the second time in 2024 that President Tinubu and Obasanjo are meeting in Imo State. Their first meeting took place in January during the inauguration of Hope Uzodimma for his second term as governor of the state. Despite their past differences, both leaders will gather to pay their last respects to Iwuanyanwu.
The burial ceremony is scheduled for Friday, November 1, in Imo State, Iwuanyanwu’s homeland. Charles Amadi, the chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the burial, shared this information during a press conference on Wednesday, October 9, in Owerri.
One-Week Program for Iwuanyanwu’s Burial
During the press briefing, Amadi outlined the one-week schedule of events leading up to Iwuanyanwu’s burial. He confirmed that both former presidents, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, would be present. Amadi also mentioned that based on the information they have, there is a 70% chance that President Tinubu will attend the ceremony as well.
This will be a notable occasion, given Iwuanyanwu’s influence and prominence. His funeral is expected to attract leaders from across the country, and it will be a time for the Igbo community and the nation to honor the elder statesman.
Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu’s Legacy
Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu was considered one of the wealthiest and most influential Igbo men in Nigeria. Throughout his life, he contributed to various sectors, from politics to business. His leadership of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, a prominent Igbo socio-political group, solidified his role as a significant figure in the Igbo community.
Until his death, Iwuanyanwu served as the 11th president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, succeeding George Obiozor. His influence extended beyond Igboland, as he had strong political connections and a successful business career. His contributions to Nigeria’s socio-political landscape earned him respect from various groups across the nation.
Iwuanyanwu’s Role in Biafran History
Iwuanyanwu also played a critical role in Nigerian history, particularly during the Biafran War. According to reports from Legit.ng, he helped Odumegwu Ojukwu, the leader of Biafra, escape capture in 1970. Iwuanyanwu opposed federal forces during the war, which paved the way for Ojukwu’s successful escape.
This act highlighted Iwuanyanwu’s strong commitment to his people and his leadership during a turbulent period in Nigerian history. His efforts in supporting Ojukwu are remembered as a pivotal moment in the Igbo struggle during the war.
Burial Preparations
As preparations for his burial continue, many are reflecting on the life and legacy of Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu. His family, led by the Local Organising Committee, is making arrangements to ensure that the burial honors his memory appropriately. The burial will take place in his hometown in Imo State, and the nation will have the opportunity to bid farewell to a man who made lasting contributions to Nigeria.
Iwuanyanwu is survived by his wife, Lady Princess Frances Iwuanyanwu, his children, and his grandchildren. The family has promised to release more details about the burial as soon as all necessary arrangements have been finalized.
The upcoming burial of Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu will bring together notable figures from across Nigeria. With President Tinubu, former presidents Obasanjo and Jonathan, and other dignitaries in attendance, the event will honor the life of a respected leader and businessman. Iwuanyanwu’s legacy, both in the business world and in his leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, will be remembered for years to come. His death marks the end of an era for the Igbo community, but his contributions to Nigeria’s political and socio-economic landscape will remain significant.
As the Igbo people and the entire nation prepare to say goodbye to one of their most influential leaders, the funeral of Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu is set to be a historic event.
