President Bola Tinubu has expressed condolences over the death of Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, on Thursday.
Iwuanyanwu, 82, died following a brief illness, according to a statement issued by his son, Jide Iwuanyanwu.
Shortly after his death was revealed, President Tinubu recognised the late Iwuanyanwu as a successful businessman and politician.
“President Bola Tinubu sends his heartfelt condolences to the family of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who died on Thursday,” presidential spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale said in a statement.
He stated that Iwuanyanwu will be remembered for his amazing legacy and prayed for, Elder statesman’s repose.
Profound Loss
Similarly, the Southern Governors’ Forum hailed the death as a significant loss for the nation.
Dapo Abiodun, the Chairman of the Regional Governors and Governor of Ogun State, issued a statement on Thursday expressing his condolences.
“I was shocked to learn of the passing of Chief Emmanuel Nwuanyanwu, the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo. “His death at this critical time when his counsel as an elder statesman is required is heartbreaking,” Abiodun added.
“Chief Nwuanyanwu was an outstanding leader, statesman, and patriot who spent his life promoting the unity, progress, and well-being of the Igbo people and Nigeria as a whole.
“He made significant contributions to promoting inter-ethnic harmony, peaceful coexistence, and mutual understanding among our country’s varied peoples. His death is a great loss, not only for the Igbo people, but for Nigeria as a whole.”
The governors stated that Iwuanyanwu worked relentlessly to maintain national unity through his varied, timely interventions at vital periods when contentious topics were flaring.
“On behalf of the Southern Governors’ Forum, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Nwuanyanwu family, the Ohaneze Ndigbo family, the entire South-East region and Nigeria as a whole,” according to the release.