A two-paragraph statement endorsed by the son of the octogenarian, Jide Iwuanyanwu, said that the Ohanaeze chieftain died after a brief illness at the age of 82.
The text of the message reads:
“Transition: The Iwuanyanwu family of Umuohii Atta in Ikeduru in the local government area of Imo state announces the demise of our patriarch, Chief Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu-Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo. Chief Iwuanyanwu died on Thursday, July 25, 2004 after a brief illness. He was aged 82. Chief Iwuanyanwu before his death was President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and President of Owerri Peoples Assembly.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu is survived by his wife, Lady Princess Frances Iwuanyanwu, many children and grandchildren including Dr Mrs Nwadiuto Iheakanwa – Managing Director, Champion group of newspapers. Details of the burial will be announced later by the family after due consultations.”