Nsukka, Nigeria – His Royal Majesty, Igwe Samuel Asadu, Chairman, South East Traditional Rulers Council, has described the death of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, as great loss to Igbos.
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Asadu, who is also the Chairman of Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, said this in Nsukka on Friday while reacting to the death of Iwuanyanwu which occurred on Thursday, July 25, at the age of 82,
The royal father said he received the news of the demise of the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo with shock, sadness and surprise.
“The death of Iwuanyanwu has robbed the country, especially Ndigbo, of a great leader, a detribalised Nigerian, sports lover, seasoned engineer, philanthropist, bridge builder and an honest politician.
“I received the news of his death with sadness, shock and surprise because by his death, a big ‘iroko tree’ has fallen in Igboland.
“The vacuum that will be created by his death will take time to be filled,” he said.
Asadu, also the Traditional Ruler of Edemani Community in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, urged Ndigbo to take solace in the fact that that Iwuanyanwu lived a fulfilled life by dedicating himself to the service of Ndigbo, Nigeria and humanity.
“Iwuanyanwu will be remembered as a detribalised Nigerian, philanthropist, a patriotic Nigerian as well as a dedicated leader.
“May God grant his soul eternal rest as well as grant his family, Ndigbo and the entire country the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” Asadu prayed
Also reacting to Iwuanyanwu’s death, Prof Demian Opata, the Chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Nsukka Local Government Area, described the death of Iwuanyanwu as a great loss not only to Ndigbo but also the entire country and the world.
Opata, who is an Emeritus Professor, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, said that Iwuanyanwu would be remembered by his good legacies as a dedicated leader, philanthropist and seasoned administrator.
“Ndigbo has lost one of its illustrious sons, business magnate, dedicated leader and seasoned administrator.
“The death of Iwuanyanwu has throw Ohanaeze Ndigbo world wide into mourning and tears.
“We pray God, to give his soul eternal rest,” Opata said.
