Tributes have been pouring in for Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the late elder statesman and president-general of the apex socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo Worldwide.

Mr Iwuanyanwu’s family confirmed his death in a statement, saying, “Chief Iwuanyanwu died on Thursday, July 25, 2024, after a brief illness. He was aged 82. He was an accomplished businessman and notable politician.”

Former vice-president and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, described the Igbo leader as an upright and consummate politician.

“My condolences also go to the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, which he led with distinction until he breathed his last, also the government and people of Imo State. He will be sorely missed. May his soul rest in peace,” he prayed.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, expressed his sympathies, describing Mr Iwuanyanwu as a “passionate advocate for Nigerian voices, particularly the Igbos, using his platform, the Champion Newspaper, to promote unity and peace among Ndigbo and the nation.”

“Against all odds, he ensured he was present at the unveiling of the Peace In South East Project (PISE-P) in Bende on December 29, 2023. It is particularly sad that he passed away just as his long-held dream of establishing the Southeast Development Commission was realised,” he regretted.

In a statement on Friday, a former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, eulogised the late South-East leader.

Describing Mr Iwuanyanwu as a pathfinder astute in various fields of endeavour, he said the deceased raised the bars of leadership as the president of Ohaeneze Ndi Igbo.

“Chief Iwuanyanwu unarguably died as a patriot and a true defender of his people. He stands out as one of the very few Nigerians with triple National honours and was indeed a Pan-Nigerian. He will be greatly missed,” he mourned.

In a Thursday statement on behalf of his counterparts, the chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum and governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, expressed sadness at Mr Iwuanuanwu’s passing when Nigeria needed his counsel as an elder statesman.

Mr Abiodun said Mr Iwuanyanwu, during his lifetime, has contributed to “fostering inter-ethnic harmony, peaceful co-existence, and mutual understanding between the diverse peoples of our country were huge,” stating that “his death is a profound loss not only for the Igbo nation but for Nigeria as a whole.”

The Labour Party, in a press release on Friday by its national chairman, Julius Abure, described the death of the “exemplary leader” as a monumental loss to the entire nation.

Mr Abure said Mr Iwuanyanwu’s selfless contributions to promoting unity, justice, and equality will forever be remembered, adding that “he worked tirelessly to ensure a peaceful Nigeria.”

He said the Ohanaeze president “championed the Igbo cause and had worked hard to ensure that the South-East was not marginalised in both the political and economic sphere.”

Mr Iwuanyanwu emerged as the 11th president-general of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo on April 20, 2023, after taking over from George Obiozor, who died on December 29, 2022.

The late South-Eastern leader, born on September 4, 1942, to Bernard Iwuanyanwu and Hulder Iwuanyanwu of Umuohii Atta in Ikeduru Local Government Area, is survived by his wife, Frances Iwuanyanwu, children, and grandchildren.