“‘Great Iroko’ Falls”: Gov. Mbah Mourns Chief Iwuanyanwu

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, describing it as the fall of a great iroko and an immeasurable loss to Ndigbo and Nigeria at large.

Governor Mbah said Iwuanyanwu was unapologetically Igbo, yet a consummate nationalist and quintessential statesman who dedicated his life to the service of the nation and the Igbo race.

Reacting to the tragic news on Thursday, he said, “I received with deep grief the shocking news of the demise of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, an icon, pan Nigerian, national colossus, and an absolute patriot, who gave his all for the peace and progress of Ndigbo and Nigeria.

“Ahaejiagamba, as he was popularly known, took up the mantle of leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo at a very difficult time, and acquitted himself most creditably as a courageous leader whose vision was to chart a new roadmap for Igbo renaissance in the Nigerian commonwealth.

“He was an erudite scholar, researcher, media entrepreneur, sports enthusiast and financier, business mogul with interests in many critical sectors of the nation’s economy, and indeed a philanthropist.

“His politics was no less remarkable. His views were candid and unpretentious, but never divisive. His maturity shone brightly, as he often sought to build bridges.

“Indeed, Chief Iwuanyanwu, a pan Africanist, will be missed not only by Ndigbo and Nigeria but by Africa as a whole.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Enugu State, I offer my condolences to his family and pray that God comforts and grants them, as well as the Government and people of Imo State, Ndigbo, and the nation, the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

“Rest in peace, Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo.”